Mirandinha: the proud Magpie
Arriving at St James’ Park in 1987, the striker was the first Brazilian in English football – and loved every second of it
What was it like to be the first Brazilian to play in England?
I’m very proud of that. Even though I played in four games for the Brazilian national team, my time at Newcastle was the peak of my career. I had the opportunity to live in a great country. I’m grateful for the way the people welcomed me and my family, and for the heartwarming way they still receive us whenever we go back to visit the city.
What did you know about Newcastle before signing from Palmeiras?
Very little, to be honest. English football wasn’t that popular in Brazil at the time. A couple of weeks earlier, everything was sealed for me to join Club America in Mexico – I even had flight tickets. Then Newcastle came in with a better offer for Palmeiras, and as soon as I knew that there was an opportunity to play in England, I didn’t think twice.
How did they find out about you?
One of my good friends, Humberto Silva, was on a university exchange scheme in England. He had a good relationship with the agent of Nigel Mansell, who was close to ex- Newcastle striker Malcolm Macdonald. So, Malcolm began mentioning me to Newcastle, and he did it for about a year. Then came the Rous Cup in May 1987 – I played well and scored in a 1- 1 draw with England at Wembley. After that we beat Scotland 2- 0 at Hampden Park and I was the man of the match again, even though I didn’t score. Newcastle manager Willie Mcfaul was watching closely, and he liked me.
How hard was it to adapt to the weather in Newcastle compared to Brazil?
The cold was one of the main obstacles at the start because I came from Fortaleza, a warm city in north- east Brazil. But the toughest bits were training, which was completely different from what I was used to in South America, and the food. On matchday we ate beans on toast, which was totally unusual to me – there was no rice, no meat. But I got plenty of help from everyone, and within a year I was completely settled on Tyneside.
What were the standout moments from your time at Newcastle?
There were a couple of outstanding moments that made me really proud. I scored two goals at Old Trafford against Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the first of them was a free- kick. My other highlight is scoring the winner against Liverpool at Anfield. We won a penalty late on, and I tricked Bruce Grobbelaar into diving the wrong way just with how I moved my body.
Did you have any difficulties understanding the Geordie accent?
Hey, man! All right, man? [ Laughs] It was a bit tough to work out at the beginning, but in my second year I was fairly comfortable. The club provided an English teacher, so my family and I had classes several times a week. My English wasn’t the best, but I knew how to order some food, at least!
You played alongside Paul Gascoigne ( left). What was he like?
Really cool – he was so outgoing, and we got along quickly. He often came to my place after training to eat Brazilian food – rice, beans and flour toasted in butter, and pork ribs made by a Brazilian cook I brought with me from Bahia. He loved it. Sometimes when I arrived back at home, he was already by the gates waiting for me. I have to confess something, actually: at one point we agreed to fake rows between us, to get more press coverage and attract some sponsorship deals. So we pretended to fall out midway through matches, like when one of us was in a better position but didn’t receive the ball off the other. It worked well!
“MY MOST REMARKABLE MOMENT AT NEWCASTLE? BEING ASKED TO TURN ON THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS”
Any other good Gazza stories?
During my first trip with the Newcastle squad, we were driving back from Norwich and it was standard procedure to stop for fish and chips. It was taking a bit longer than usual for that to happen, so Gazza told me to tell the manager, “Mr Willie, I’m f** king starving.” I went to the front of the bus, said exactly those words and everyone burst out laughing. That was Gazza! Believe it or not, that helped me to bond with my team- mates. I still keep in touch with him. Later he gave my daughter a dog and wanted to call it Gazza, but I said that wasn’t possible because it was a female. We named her Belly [ after Gazza’s pal Jimmy ‘ Five Bellies’ Gardner].
Why did you stay at Newcastle for only two years before returning to Brazil?
Leaving was the biggest mistake of my career, because I could have made my name eternal in the club’s history. I went back to Palmeiras with the belief that I could make Brazil’s 1990 World Cup squad – sadly that didn’t work out.
What did you do after that?
After Palmeiras, I joined Belenenses in Portugal for a short period, then signed for Corinthians. Things didn’t go to plan because Palmeiras are their bitter rivals, and the fans didn’t welcome me. I later played in Japan, then managed in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Sudan. I’ve recently joined Nova Andradina in Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul state championship.
A few years ago you revealed you had some financial problems – have things improved for you since then?
I faced a really serious financial problem, but I have overcome it. I lost everything due to two divorces, but I’m at peace because I’ve raised two beautiful children and am still working in football, the sport I love. I dream about being a top manager one day, and another goal is to do anything I can to help Newcastle, either in England or Brazil.
Do you still follow the Magpies’ results?
Absolutely, and I’m also involved in Newcastle groups on social media. I like to interact with the fans and am glad to feel their affection for me. I still sign memorabilia that people send, and always post it back.
When did you last visit Newcastle?
I went in 2016 because I was invited to open a Brazilian restaurant. Then I watched a game and the club surprised me by inviting me onto the pitch at half- time – 55,000 fans applauded me and it was very emotional. When I played for Newcastle, the most remarkable moment wasn’t a match; it was being invited to open the city’s Christmas festivities – I left the Town Hall on a Santa sled! That was such a touching moment. I’d never experienced something as grandiose as that before, and only Newcastle legends like Kevin Keegan were asked to do it. To share that day with my wife and kids was truly incredible. I say that not as an ex- player, but as a human being.