“Real Madrid is the best thing that could happen to Reinier”

Mauro Lucius Graça Parente Carvalho (Brazil, 1960), known as Mauro Brasília since his time as a futsal player, a discipline in which he became world champion in Spain in 1985, opens the doors of his home in Rio de Janeiro to ACE. In an upper-middle class urbanization, between ping-pong or soccer matches, it teaches this newspaper where Reinier Jesus grew up and lives, 17, the new signing of Real Madrid, with which AS was also in Rio ( see photo below). He is accompanied by his wife, Suzana, as kind and hospitable as he is: his home is that of AS during the three and a quarter hours that the meeting lasts. When were you aware of Real Madrid’s interest for the first time?In December. Before we did not believe that a club such as Madrid had an interest in Reinier. When the news came to us it was a party because I want a team as big as Real does not happen to anyone.Who first learned that the signing could be done, you or your child?I. The first thing we did was talk to Reinier, over the phone because he was on vacation at the beach, and at first he got a little scared, but then he understood that the Madrid project would be the best thing that could happen to him.Did they celebrate it?At home, with my wife, my daughter and friends. With a lot of peace of mind, we didn’t have a big party.Do you remember your son’s famous photo at the Bernabéu in March 2018? The twists and turns of life.I was with the Brazilian national team and they went to the stadium. What a coincidence, because today is one step away from stepping on the Bernabéu lawn!You were there too some time later.Yes, in February or March 2019. I was delighted with everything I saw. José Ángel Sánchez (General Director of Real Madrid) treated us very well. It was a wonderful experience. I hope you are closer to all that now.Did Madrid call you to receive them or did you propose it?Our agent invited us to know that. We were also in the training centers of PSG, Arsenal and Manchester City.Which left them the best feeling for infrastructure and treatment?All are very beautiful facilities, with high technology and with very trained people. Valdebebas is an impressive thing, like the City’s training center, which is a city. In the Arsenal they have many interesting, new things that we are beginning to know in Brazil. In Europe it is already on another step. What team in Europe was Reinier from?From Madrid, especially since the time of Cristiano. He also has Zidane as an important figure, especially because he looks a bit like his playing style and height, with a very classic football. Then Madrid was always the team he followed and always watched their games. Then there were others from Europe, such as Borussia de Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Juventus … The best Milan too, and now with (Lucas) Paquetá, who is our friend. But Real Madrid was always the team he liked most.Who wanted to be young?Kaka. There has always been much talk that they have a very similar style. I showed him videos of Zidane, Van Basten, Guti, which is also a phenomenon and I really liked what he did. Reinier had these Madrid players as a reference. From Brazil, to Ronaldo ‘The Phenomenon’, Ronaldinho, Kaka. And now, Flamengo teammates like De Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique, Gabigol …How was he as a child?It started late, with eight years. It was not early. He was always a very smart player for his age. When all the children ran behind the ball, he positioned himself in such a way that it reached him and he was ready. I observed that very early in him. It is one of his best qualities: intelligence, positioning in the field, reading the game … As a child he taught him to improve the technique, sometimes he even cried saying that he did not want more exercises, but it has been very good.And as a person?He was very calm, very obedient to parents. He never gave much work at home. He watched TV, played with his friends in the street …Tell us some mischief or anecdote.When he was 11, in 2013, we arrived in Fluminense in 2013. He went to do his first training and, when he left the field, brought a folder. I asked him what it was and he replied that the documentation for the registration. I asked him what they were asking for, he took out the papers and began to read: “The birth record, the school certificate, the identity card and 3×4 photos”. Then I asked him how many photos were necessary and he answered me several times “3×4”, until at my insistence he said “Papai, you’re a donkey, I’m telling you 3×4!”. He was very young and did not know that 3×4 was the size of the photo.How would you explain to Madrid players the type of player your child is?It has always been an attacker. In the middle, not the bands. And more midfielder than forward.But in his appearances with the first team of Flamengo only Gabigol improves the scoring average. Does your evolution lead you to be more midpoint or second point?I see him more as a midfielder, a 10. With Jorge Jesús he has played out of his original position, always ahead, between the defenders, by the tip, which is not where he likes it most. He likes to come back, facing the rival defense.