As he continues to dazzle Serie A with his attacking forays for Champions League chasing Lazio, Felipe Anderson has claimed that turning to religion has aided his stunning form this season.
The Brazilian had struggled during his first year in Rome with the Biancocelesti, but after turning to the bible and being baptised back in his homeland performances have improved.
“I thought it would take six months to get used to the life and football in Italy but it was more complicated,” Anderson told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“However, I continued to work and pray and today I am benefiting.
“I found myself alone in the house crying. I had to play two big games, but I just wanted to see my dad.
“Then I got injured. I wondered why this was happening to me, until I opened the Bible, prayed and understood.
“I flew to Brazil, my father and my sister, who were not believers, they decided to be baptised to.”
“For now I gather to pray with [Roma defender Leandro] Castan, we are like brothers, but as soon as we find ourselves on the field that changes, although when I suffered a knock to the knee he immediately said I’m sorry.”
After fellow wideman Keita Balde became the catalyst for their latest Serie A victory at Cagliari the 21-year-old defended the youngster from the media criticism he has received.
“You have all seen it against Cagliari,” continued Anderson. “He changed the game. In the past he has been wrong, but he is very young, it happens. But it is not like the media portray it.”
Anderson is now setting his sights on Champions League qualification after helping Lazio past Napoli in the Coppa Italia when he thanked more than 700 hundred fans who waved them off to Naples.
“We are full [of confidence]. We always need your support. Forza Lazio,” Anderson announced via Twitter.
