He was supposed to be Real Madrid's new Salgado, then he was considered Roma's new Cafu. But in the end, Cicinho remained Cicinho. With his strengths and weaknesses, regrets, and the happiness of recovering from an invisible yet terrible illness. The right-back, now a TV commentator in Brazil, played at Santiago Bernabéu from 2005 to 2007. Before that, he gained fame with São Paulo and the Brazilian national team. At Real Madrid, there were also many fellow Brazilians with big names: Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Robinho, and Marcelo. It was not easy to secure a place during those two seasons. Therefore, in the summer of 2007, he accepted an offer from Roma, a club also full of Brazilian players. Thousands of people gathered to welcome him when he arrived at Fiumicino, but his performances were inconsistent, and he was even loaned out twice to Villarreal and São Paulo.

So, how is Cicinho doing today?

"I'm doing very well, really very well. I've moved back to São Paulo, where I rediscovered the beauty in small things and enjoy watching my children grow and my wife's love. I do work that I love, and I can say I've recovered. It took time, but I made it through, and that's more important than anything."

What specific illness did he recover from?

"An illness that is often underestimated: depression. I remember my time at Roma as one of the most important periods of my life because that's where I met my wife, Mari. Thanks to her, I discovered that I had a severe alcohol addiction, which was linked to depression. I carried this illness for a long time, and it deeply affected my career. I would lock myself at home and drink, and I would drink when I went out, constantly. I never thought about whether it was right or wrong. I only cared about luxury cars, parties, and staying in the spotlight. I'd been doing this for as long as I can remember; I fell in love with alcohol at age 13. I didn't understand the true value of life back then, but everything has changed over the years, in part thanks to therapy. I'm truly happy now."

Does he regret not meeting expectations?

"Of course, I regret it for the fans who always treated me well; I still remember the welcome at the airport. I have deep affection for Roma and wish I could have contributed more, but I think they should understand why things didn't develop as they should have. I still follow Roma and always support them. Years later, I also want to thank Bruno Conti, who tried to help me get back on the right track."

Real Madrid will face Roma tomorrow, which is certainly not an ordinary match for you. What kind of match do you expect?

"Real Madrid are favorites, but they're always favorites in the Champions League. It's their trophy; they live for it. However, Roma might be in their best period in recent years, with great team stability, and they should capitalize on this momentum to achieve a good result. I haven't seen Roma play this well in a long time, not since Spalletti's first spell as coach. I think Roma shouldn't change their style, but they also need to minimize wasted chances, just like they did against Como."

What is still lacking at Real Madrid?

"If you look at the names at Real Madrid, of course it's scary, but football is a team sport, not an individual one. I feel this team sometimes relies too much on individual ability. Spain proved this at the World Cup when they used intelligent play to limit Mbappé, Olise, and Messi. As long as all 11 players execute the plan, everything will work well; if even two don't, everything can go wrong."

Which team is stronger, this Real Madrid or yours?

"Well, let me give you some names: Ronaldo, Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Casillas, Ramos, Higuaín, Robinho. Do I need to continue?"

Mourinho will return as both a former player and manager; what kind of reception do you expect?

"Mourinho is the best coach because he can motivate and inspire everyone, from players to media to fans. Roma is no different—a club with such passionate fans. I remember many people didn't want him to leave back then. I believe he has deep gratitude for the club, and I hope he receives a warm welcome."

Gasperini is also very popular among the fans; do you miss him?

"Of course, he's one of the best coaches in Europe. I would definitely want to play under his direction because I see how he uses wingers, which suits my style perfectly. If you look at Wesley and Molina, or Lautaro, they have major responsibilities to press in the opponent's area and attack far up the pitch. I would definitely fit in well, but unfortunately, I'm too old now."

By the way, from one Brazilian to another: how much further can Wesley develop?

"Very much—don't forget he's still very young. His development path is very similar to mine; we both grew up on the streets, where you learn that you can't lose the ball and must always fight. Plus, he has versatility: he plays well on both the right and left wing. He could truly become one of the best in his position."

Are the streets a friend or an enemy to you?

"It depends on the path you take, but if I hadn't experienced those things, I wouldn't be who I am today. So it's fine. I came from an ordinary family, from a small town in the interior. As a child, I played barefoot, imitating Pelé, Cafu, and Cerezo. There's no doubt that my street background made me never give up on pursuing my dream. I wore the jersey of my favorite team, São Paulo. Then, I became a key player for the Brazilian national team and played for Real Madrid and Roma. Overall, that's not too bad."

What advice would you give to Endrick?

"Go to Roma, don't think twice about it. I even think Real Madrid should consider this option, because he barely plays now. Given his characteristics, he would be a perfect fit for Gasperini."

You played for Roma during the Totti era, and now they have Dybala. Do you think the Argentine player will suit the number 10 jersey?

"I would give him the number 10 because there won't be another Totti. There's no point hoping for that to happen. We're talking not just about a great player, but the embodiment of everything Roma's fans dreamed of. Just think, I decided to join Roma in 2007 because Doni convinced me through a video call. Either retire the number, or someone like Dybala should take it over. He'll be treated well, because he chose to stay at Roma, turning down a lot of money from Saudi Arabia."

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