Ex-Man Utd star admits odd pre-match ritual after being reduced to tears by Kaka
Ex-Manchester United star Andreas Pereira has admitted he rubs Kaka's worn shorts on his legs as part of a bizarre pre-match motivation boost.
The Brazilian playmaker is currently starring for Fulham after deciding to quit Old Trafford after eight years in the summer of 2022. Since then, he has made 46 appearances for the London outfit and scored six goals.
His performances for Fulham have more than their fair share of inspiration from Brazil icon and his childhood hero Kaka, who gave Pereira his shorts when he was an Old Trafford ball boy.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil, he revealed: “It was a Champions League match between Manchester and Real Madrid and I was a ball boy. Alex Ferguson asked the U21 and U18 players if they wanted to be ball boys because he needed the ball quicker and so on.
“After the game, I waited and saw Kaka. I asked for his shirt, but he said he'd already changed. Then I said: anything then, a sock, shorts, I don't know.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
“He said he had a pair of shorts, I said it would do. He gave it to me, it was incredible, and the shorts are still in a safe to this day. Every now and then, before an important game, I go and get them to give me confidence, to rub on my leg.”
While Pereira has long been an admirer of the former AC Milan and Real Madrid icon, he recently got the chance to speak to him - something that reduced him to tears. “Two weeks ago, I was at Willian's house and he asked me who I really admired,” Pereira added.
Andreas Pereira shone for Fulham last season (Getty Images)Who do you think is the best Brazilian footballer of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“I said I'd always liked Kaka a lot, because of his style of play, he was an example to me. He said he knew Kaka and said he was going to ring him. I thought: he must be joking.
“I kept quiet, it put me off. He called, I heard his voice and I couldn't stand it, I cried. I spoke to him, and to this day I can't believe I spoke to Kaka. Everyone was in shock.”
Pereira followed Kaka’s lead by making his debut for the senior Brazil national side back in 2018 against El Salvador. He made history by becoming the first player born outside of the South American nation to earn a cap.
Pereira will be hoping to extend his positive start to the season this weekend. Fulham travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton before an EFL Cup showdown with Championship side Ipswich in midweek.
He will then face a reunion with his former club Man United early next month. Pereira has been on the losing side in each of his previous two outings against the Red Devils - a record he will be aiming to change sooner rather than later.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
