He was expected to be Real Madrid's new Salgado, then he was seen as AS Roma's new Cafu, but in the end, Cicinho remained Cicinho—with his strengths and weaknesses, his sorrows and the joy of recovering from an invisible but serious illness. The former right-back, now a football commentator on Brazilian television, played for Real Madrid at the Bernabéu between 2005 and 2007. Before that, he had performed brilliantly with São Paulo and the Brazilian national team. Real Madrid at that time was packed with famous Brazilian teammates including Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Robinho, and Marcelo. It was not easy to secure a starting position over two seasons. So in the summer of 2007, he accepted an offer from AS Roma, a club full of Brazilian players. Thousands of people gathered when he arrived at Fiumicino, but his performances were inconsistent, and he was loaned out to Real Betis and São Paulo twice.

How is Cicinho doing today?

"I'm doing well, really well. I'm back living in São Paulo, where I've rediscovered the beauty in small things. And I'm happy to see my children grow and to have my wife's love. I'm doing what I love, and I can say I've recovered. It took considerable time, but I managed it, and that matters more than anything else."

What illness did he recover from?

"It's an illness that's often underestimated: depression. I remember my time at AS Roma as one of the most important periods of my life, because that's where I met my wife, Maria. I have to thank her—it was through her that I discovered I had a serious alcohol addiction, which was linked to my depression. I've suffered from this for a long time, and it had a major impact on my career. I would lock myself in the house and drink, and I'd drink when I went out too. I never stopped to think if it was right or wrong. I only cared about luxury cars, parties, and constantly seeking thrills. I've been like this since I can remember. I fell in love with alcohol when I was 13 years old. Back then, I didn't understand the true value of life, but things have changed over the years. Part of that is thanks to treatment. I'm truly happy now."

Does he regret not meeting external expectations?

"Of course I do. I'm sorry for the fans who always treated me so well. I still remember the welcome at the airport. I have a deep connection with AS Roma, and I wish I could have helped them more. But I think they should understand why things didn't go as they should have. I still follow AS Roma and support them always. Years later, I still want to thank Bruno Conti for trying to help me get back on the right path."

Tomorrow's match between Real Madrid and AS Roma is certainly not an ordinary game for you. What kind of match do you expect?

"Real Madrid are favorites, but they're always favorites in the Champions League. This is their trophy. They live to win it. However, AS Roma might be in their best moment in many years. The team is very solid, and they need to seize this momentum for a good result. I haven't seen AS Roma play this well in a long time—not since the early days of Spalletti. I don't think AS Roma should change their playing style, but they should try to make the most of their opportunities, the way they did against Como."

What is Real Madrid still lacking?

"If you read the names of Real Madrid's players, it's certainly intimidating. But football is a team sport, not an individual sport. I think sometimes this team relies too much on individual quality. Spain proved this at the World Cup when they neutralized Mbappé, Olise, and Messi with intelligent play. As long as all 11 players follow the plan, things go smoothly. But if just two players don't follow it, everything can go wrong."

Which Real Madrid team was stronger—that one or yours?

"Well, let me name a few players for you: Ronaldo, Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Casillas, Ramos, Iguaín, Robinho. Do I need to say more?"

José Mourinho will return as a former player of both clubs. What kind of reception do you expect?

"José Mourinho is an excellent coach because he can stimulate and inspire everyone—from players to media to fans. At AS Roma, with such passionate fans, it's no different. I remember many people didn't want him to leave back then. I believe he has a deep affection for the club, and I expect he'll receive a grand welcome."

Gian Piero Gasperini is also popular with the fans. Do you agree with that?

"Absolutely. He's one of the best coaches in Europe. I would have loved to play under his management because I see the way he uses wingers aligns perfectly with my strengths. Look at Wesley and Nahuel Molina, or Luti—they take great responsibility in pressing in the opponent's half and attacking down the flank. I would have been perfect for that system, but unfortunately I'm too old now."

Speaking of Brazilians, how much more can Wesley grow?

"A lot. Remember, he's still very young. His growth path is very similar to mine. We both came from the streets, where you learn not to lose the ball and to always fight. And he's versatile too—he plays well on both the right and left. He will definitely become one of the best players in his position."

Were the streets a friend or enemy to you?

"It depends on the path you choose. But if I hadn't experienced those things, I wouldn't be who I am today. So it's fine. I come from a simple family, from a small town in the countryside. As a kid, I played barefoot, imitating Pelé, Cafú, and Cerezo. There's no doubt that growing up on the streets taught me never to give up on my dreams. I wore the shirt of the team I loved, São Paulo. Later, I became a professional player for the Brazilian national team and played for Real Madrid and AS Roma. In the end, it wasn't so bad."

What advice would you give to Endrick?

"Go to AS Roma, no question about it. I even think Real Madrid should consider this option, because right now he barely plays. With his characteristics, he would fit perfectly with Gian Piero Gasperini."

You played for AS Roma in the Totti era, and now they have Paulo Dybala. Do you think this Argentine player is suited to wear the number 10 shirt?

"I'd give him the number 10 because there will never be another Totti. There's no point expecting something like that to happen again. We're not just talking about an excellent player, but the embodiment of everything Roma fans dream of. Think about it—when I decided to move to AS Roma in 2007, it was because Doni invited me through a video call. Whether that number stays unworn or a player like Dybala wears it, he'll be well taken care of anyway, because he chose to stay at AS Roma, turning down a lot of money from Saudi Arabia."

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