Overview
- Speaking to Brazil’s Globo in a newly republished interview, the former midfielder detailed how PlayStation sessions kept him up through the night during his first months in Madrid.
- He cited obsessing over Crash Bandicoot, an intense early-marriage sex life, and constant snacking—including entire packs of cookies and soft drinks—which left him arriving to training with dark circles.
- He says the loss of fitness and form resulted in Real Madrid sending him on loan to Flamengo in January, after he managed only one goal for the club against Rosenborg in the Champions League.
- After the setback, he rebuilt his career in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich before later joining Hamburger SV and eventually retiring at age 43.
- He describes that period as a turning point and now emphasizes discipline and fitness, presenting himself as a lifestyle example for younger athletes.