Brazilian winger and striker Denilson de Olivera Araujo, who was a World Cup 1998 runner-up and World Cup 2002 winner, has agreed to play for Vietnam’s top-flight V- League club Xi Mang Hai Phong

Top-flight V-League club Hai Phong has given fans a big treat by signing Brazilian World Cup 2002 winner Denilson de Olivera Araujo.

When asked how he felt playing in the final matches of two consecutive world cups in 1998 and 2002, Denilson said they were the most wonderful experiences of his life. He said he often talked about them when he got the chance. But he said the finals of the 1998 World Cup was not exactly pleasant, as Brazil was crushed 0-3 by France.

He said he was glad that Brazil won the next World Cup in 2002, which made his already impressive CV look even better.

Asked if he felt he was worth the US$32 million transfer fee when he was transferred from the Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC to the Spanish club Real Betis in 1998, making him the most expensive player in the world at the time, Denilson said he was certainly a talented player but added he didn’t enjoy his time at the Spanish club.

After he and some other favorites left the Brazilian national team, the squad was weakened considerably and was knocked out of the 2006 World Cup in Germany earlier than expected. When asked about this, Denilson said it had been a difficult transition period for Brazil. Experienced players had left the team while many remaining players were still green horns. But the team has greatly improved since then, he said.

Asked who he considers the best Brazilian players now playing, the Hai Phong newcomer said Kaka is certainly the best, followed by goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who is playing for the Italian club Inter Milan – the 2009 Serie A champions.

Denilson said he knew nothing about Vietnam before he arrived. He was introduced to Hai Phong management by a friend and he accepted their ensuing offer to come play for the club. He dismissed any suggestion that he was not playing up to his potential, as playing football is demanding anywhere in the world.

He said he feels a lot of tension and pressure playing here, but he is used to it. He would have to try his best wherever he plays because it is the only way to survive, he said.

Denilson said he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead and is not afraid of anything in Vietnam - except the weather, which, he felt was even hotter than in Brazil.

When asked if he came to Vietnam because of the money or for the experience, Denilson said he came for both. He won’t get paid if he doesn’t play as well as expected, Denilson noted.

He said he is still in good form and hopes to play exceptionally in the second half of the V-League season, which resumes next week after a two-week mid season break.

He is now 31 years old and expects to stay in Vietnam for a long time, the former Brazilian star said.

Reported by Lan Phuong – Dang Khoa