This week, Cafu was interviewed by Spanish media outlet El Mundo. Due to its length, we've divided it into four parts. In the fourth part, he reflects on his career, the missed opportunity to join Real Madrid, and his views on Neymar.

Do you remember your six months at Zaragoza?

That was the first international title I won with a European club. Before that, I had won titles with São Paulo, but during those six months at Zaragoza, I didn't play much, even though we won the Cup Winners' Cup.

I couldn't believe it... The situation back then was like this... I was 23, almost 24, and that brief time was beautiful. Zaragoza is a beautiful city with an amazing team.

The hotel was right next to the stadium; you could walk straight from the hotel to the stadium, passing by fans and waving at them. It was a wonderful time, I learned a lot, and it was a fantastic experience.

Did you really have a chance to play for Real Madrid?

I had the opportunity back then. São Paulo wouldn't let me go—they sent right-back Vitor to replace me because São Paulo was going to play Barcelona in the Club World Cup.

Then São Paulo said, "No, we can't let you go, because the Club World Cup is at the end of the year, and many clubs are involved." Tele Santana said, "We want you to play in the Club World Cup."

I knew it was São Paulo, but we're talking about Real Madrid, right? So they told me: "No, you'll go to Madrid after the Club World Cup." So we went and won the FIFA World Cup, and when we returned, they told me: "We're keeping you for another year."

Were you angry? Or did you understand the club's decision?

I wasn't angry—I understood. I realized back then that São Paulo was also important, São Paulo, wow! But at the same time, I thought, "Oh, that's Real Madrid, that's Real Madrid, I'm going to miss it."

My thought was: if it didn't happen, it's because I wasn't meant to go. I'm not someone who dwells on regrets. The following year, we won the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup for two consecutive years. Life has many paths, and you can never predict them.

Back then, Spanish football was unstoppable, completely different from now. You've witnessed its evolution. In your opinion, what caused such a radical change in Spanish football?

The situation was truly different. Back then, there were Deportivo La Coruña, Valencia, Real Betis, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid—and top-tier teams like Zaragoza—all Spanish teams were very strong.

The league competition was intense; it was the best league at the time, and the league that all teams dreamed of. But then everything changed. Investment started decreasing, and under Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque, Spain's national team was revitalized.

Spain started believing in itself, started playing its own style of football, and developed great players through the system they built. Today, Spain is still tough, but everything is more concentrated on Real Madrid and Barcelona.

If social media had existed when you played, what would your career have been like?

I don't know, but I don't think I would have posted videos showing where I was and what I was doing. If social media had existed back then, maybe we wouldn't have won so many titles. Times are always changing. Now is the era of technology and social media, and we have to respect that.

What do you see when you look at Neymar?

He's a genius, talented, a rising star. He has the potential to achieve even greater things, because he has the quality and ability. He just needs to want it.

What do you mean?

I mean, everything depends on himself, right? He has the quality, he has the talent. Is he willing to sacrifice a lot? Is he willing to train hard? Is he willing to dedicate himself completely? It all depends on him.

Have you spoken to him about this?

I haven't had the chance yet. I've had the opportunity with others, but not with him.

Neymar is already an experienced player. Why hasn't he realized this yet?

That's the question we ask ourselves every day! If he could truly understand what it means to be a World Cup champion, everything would be different. It's completely different from winning the Copa Libertadores, the Champions League, or the Club World Cup.

Being a World Cup champion means saying with pride: "I'm a World Cup champion!" Zico said he would trade all his titles for a World Cup title. When you become a World Cup champion, you no longer represent your club—you represent your country.

You represent a nation, so I think he hasn't fully grasped the importance of being a World Cup champion. Only a few people have the privilege to say "I'm a World Cup champion"—very few.

Related links:

Ronaldo once said sex is better than winning the FIFA World Cup? Cafu: Enjoying both is even better

Cafu: After Ancelotti took over, people talked more about the Brazilian coach than the players for the first time

Cafu: Messi is the benchmark for Argentine football and the embodiment of the art of football

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.