Roma defender Maicon has insisted that he was selected for the Brazil national team at this summer’s World Cup because of his performances with the Lupi last season.
The 32-year-old joined the Giallorossi last summer after having a difficult stint with Manchester City and he admits that his confidence was restored at the capital city club thanks to coach Rudi Garcia and the support from all of the Italian side’s fans.
Maicon spoke to TuttoSport about earning a spot in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil squad and revealed that he’s focused on winning the World Cup for now, though his next objective is to win the Scudetto with Roma.
“I will always thank Roma for giving me this opportunity, as well as my agent and the fans who have always supported me,” said the Brazilian international, who will help his country take on Germany in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
“Garcia has been the best in building this group. But also at Roma, like here in Brazil, something is missing: to never believe you have fully arrived at your goal.
“In England I was lost, in order to put in my best I must feel the confidence around me. This happened at Roma and, in fact, before the World Cup began I had thanked the club for my return to the national team.
“Now I’m focused on winning the World Cup, then I want to win the Scudetto with Roma.”
