Our secret weapon from Brazil, Diogo da Silva is a lifelong Corinthians supporter who arrived in England last summer after previously playing in Albania and Kosovo.
The 29-year-old has been a revelation this season, top scoring for us with 14 goals to date from his role behind the striker. As a boyhood Corinthians fan, he is living his dream every time he pulls on the shirt. Here’s what he had to say about his first season in Casuals colour so far…
Diogo, how much are you enjoying this season and your performances?
I am very happy with my performance at Corinthian-Casuals, being able to score goals and play well.
What has been your journey in football?
I started playing for my hometown club, Sampaio Correia in Maranhão, then I went to Atlético Mineiro in Belo Horizonte and then I went to Audax in Rio de Janeiro. Soon after, I moved to Albania, where I played for Dinamo Tirana for three years before I went to Kosovo and played for Drenica KF. When my contract ended, I came to London.
How did you come to join Corinthian-Casuals?
Just two days after I arrived in London, some friends invited me to play in a football tournament in Epsom, where I met our coach, Mu Maan. He saw me playing and invited me to come to Corinthian-Casuals.
Do you know much about our historical connection to Brazilian football?
I know a little bit. The Corinthians were one of the most responsible for the spread of football in Latin America, and so Sport Club Corinthians Paulista was formed with the intention of showing that the new club could become as big and well-known as the English Corinthians.
How do you like it here?
I really like this team, I’m a die-hard Corinthians fan, and everyone in my family is Corinthians, so I play with all my heart to win wearing this jersey.
What level were you playing in Brazil and Albania, and how did it compare to this level of English football?
In Brazil the level is very high, many players have experience. In Albania and in English football, however, there is a lot of physical contact. I leave all the games feeling sore, but I have a bit of quality where it’s better for me to be able to help the team. In English football, I’ve learned that you have to be more dynamic, you have to keep the ball as little as possible, and you have to be quicker.
What are your hopes for the future with this club?
My wish for this club is to become champions and move up to the next division.
Interview: Dominic Bliss
Images: Stuart Tree
The 29-year-old has been a revelation this season, top scoring for us with 14 goals to date from his role behind the striker. As a boyhood Corinthians fan, he is living his dream every time he pulls on the shirt. Here’s what he had to say about his first season in Casuals colour so far…
Diogo, how much are you enjoying this season and your performances?
I am very happy with my performance at Corinthian-Casuals, being able to score goals and play well.
What has been your journey in football?
I started playing for my hometown club, Sampaio Correia in Maranhão, then I went to Atlético Mineiro in Belo Horizonte and then I went to Audax in Rio de Janeiro. Soon after, I moved to Albania, where I played for Dinamo Tirana for three years before I went to Kosovo and played for Drenica KF. When my contract ended, I came to London.
How did you come to join Corinthian-Casuals?
Just two days after I arrived in London, some friends invited me to play in a football tournament in Epsom, where I met our coach, Mu Maan. He saw me playing and invited me to come to Corinthian-Casuals.
Do you know much about our historical connection to Brazilian football?
I know a little bit. The Corinthians were one of the most responsible for the spread of football in Latin America, and so Sport Club Corinthians Paulista was formed with the intention of showing that the new club could become as big and well-known as the English Corinthians.
How do you like it here?
I really like this team, I’m a die-hard Corinthians fan, and everyone in my family is Corinthians, so I play with all my heart to win wearing this jersey.
What level were you playing in Brazil and Albania, and how did it compare to this level of English football?
In Brazil the level is very high, many players have experience. In Albania and in English football, however, there is a lot of physical contact. I leave all the games feeling sore, but I have a bit of quality where it’s better for me to be able to help the team. In English football, I’ve learned that you have to be more dynamic, you have to keep the ball as little as possible, and you have to be quicker.
What are your hopes for the future with this club?
My wish for this club is to become champions and move up to the next division.
Interview: Dominic Bliss
Images: Stuart Tree
