13 September 2021
13 September 2021

Becao hoping to become an 'Udinese icon'

The Brazilian defender chats to Udinese TV about life in Udine, his childhood and the Spezia game

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Rodrigo Becao was this week's guest on Udinese Tonight. The 25-year-old defender began by talking about debut goals – after Lazar Samardzic followed in his own footsteps at the weekend – before going on to discuss life in Bahia, Russia and Friuli, Italian defending and the team's progress under Luca Gotti.
 
“It's hard to describe the feeling of scoring on your debut. I was thrilled when I scored against AC Milan and Lazar felt the same way when he scored against Spezia – you could see it in his eyes.
 
“I didn't know he'd asked his national team if he could stay in Udine to train. That shows how determined he is to get on here and improve.
 
“It was difficult against Spezia. It may have looked easy but when you're out there it isn't. The goal Lazar scored shows the talent he has. We'll see how he develops over time.
 
“It's not easy for defenders to score. Sometimes you get a chance when the ball falls kindly for you but our main job is defending – goals are just a nice bonus.
 
"We're working hard and improving as a team. We're not conceding many goals because we put in the hours on the training ground. 
 
“I've learnt a lot about defending in Italy. Italians are masters of defending and you learn so much here. 
 
“The coach is always there trying to help us improve. He knows when you can do a bit more and encourages you. I have a good relationship with him. He's a great person and a great coach. I can only learn from him.
 
“This year we have to reap what we sowed last season – for the club, for the fans and for ourselves. We're working really hard and I'm sure we'll get results. 
 
"We always set out to win. Sometimes we lose, but that's football. We all really want to win and that helps you bond as a team. Another thing is we never give up – you must never give up.
 
“I love football – it's my life. I grew up with football. As a kid, I used to play in the street with my friends. My dad would take me to watch his matches and that's when I got into it and realise football would be my life.
 
“At Bahia I developed as a footballer and matured as a person. I learnt about life. Then I went to Russia, where I struggled a bit with the weather and the language, but I always strive to achieve my goals. When I came to Udine, I was welcomed in. Everyone was really kind and helpful. That's when I realised I was in the right place.
 
“I joke about it but I'm pretty much Friulian now. I love Udine: it's a small city but a great place to live. No one bothers you.
 
“Obviously I hope to become an Udinese icon. The club gives us all the support we need. I'm really happy here and I think I can become an even better player. That's one of the reasons why I decided to stay – to become a better defender. 

“It's reassuring to know we have [Marco] Silvestri behind us but we try not to give him too much work to do! He's a fantastic keeper and so is [Daniele] Padelli. We're in safe hands with them.”