Brazil faced the Republic of Ireland Tuesday night at their second “home” in London. Since 2007, the South Americans remain undefeated against Italy, Sweden and England in the Capitol city. The pre-World Cup friendly, played at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, has reinforced Coach Dunga’s decision to use several home-based and non-glamor European club players for the National side.
For some, the return of European based players to their native Brazil is increasingly lucrative. In the past year both current and former internationals have found starring roles in the once chaotic Brazilian Leagues.
Recent regulations and fixture improvements along with an economic upturn have yielded an exodus of players from the promise of European prosperity.
Manchester City‘s on loan star Robinho, back from Santos, made a happy yet brief visit to England on Tuesday. He is but one of a handful of big names taking umbrage back in Brazil. Over the past year and a half, former FIFA Player of the Year Ronaldo, and long time Real Madrid and World Cup star Roberto Carlos, have signed on for Corinthians of Sao Paolo.
They have been joined by ex-Tottenham left back Gilberto, now at Cruzeiro, Fred, from Olympic Lyon to Fluminense, and Real Zaragoza’s Ewerthan now at Palmeiras.
Much of the turn-around is attributed to the economic boom now taking place in Brazil. The financial growth estimated at 4.7 % in the past four years and projected to reach 5 % by 2012 is now able to compete with Europe’s lagging economy . This also bodes well for current President Luiz Inacio da Silva, who is himself is a die-hard Corinthians supporter. His push for legislation to organize the leagues, curb corruption and bring about sensible fixtures was paramount in the appeal to European bound players. It also includes a comprehensive promotion and relegation system.
Other players who abandoned the riches of European clubs for other reasons include Adriano, who blamed his poor form at Internazionale on depression and longing for Brazil. He left behind a lucrative contract in the black and blue of Milan for the familiar black and red of Rio’s Flamengo. He is also back in the good graces of Dunga while players like AC Milan’s Ronaldinho are left out.
While this exodus has been confirmed in the news, rumors of ex-patriots wanting to return are also spoken aloud. Juliano Belletti and Deco are a pair of Chelsea players pining for the land of Samba too. The Brazilian born Deco, who is a full Portuguese international, wants to raise his family there after competing for his adopted nation at the 2010 Word Cup. While Belletti had already put in his transfer request to play for Flamengo, it was turned down by Chelsea staff. In addition, AS Roma’s Cicinho wants to depart the Italian Capitol and is already in talks with the Sao Paolo club.
The country that will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics is in prime position to offer better money than it could 10 years ago. Its greatest appeal is still the hero worship that comes from being a footballer. After all, many are back to the only nation which has participated in each and every World Cup.
If this football exodus has spiritual connotations, then surely “futbole” is the religion that drives it.
Chuck Zsolnai is the Historical Director at the International Soccer Archives. He has been covering soccer since 1989.