TRAITOR’S GREAT
Pilloried for abandoning his native Brazil, super Mario has now found salvation, respect and pride in Russia
HE is considered a traitor in his native Brazil for turning his back on them to play for Russia.
But Mario Fernandes, who has emerged as one of the host nation’s stars under coach Stanislav Cherchesov (above), does not care about the haters.
The 27-year-old right-back has overcome depression, alcohol problems, homesickness and a selfdestructive streak to the point where he is now a bone fide World Cup star.
His displays in helping Russia to a shock quarter-final tie with Croatia have attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs, but Fernandes has had some significant personal hurdles to surmount on his way to the top.
Born in Sao Paulo, Fernandes signed his first professional contract, with Gremio in March 2009, but went missing the following week, amid fears he had been kidnapped. The police were called in, with Fernandes eventually found several days later, more than 700 miles away from Porto Alegre, where Gremio play, in a dishevelled state.
Homesick and suffering from depression, he had travelled to visit his uncle and was found, starving, exhausted and with no money on him. “I got unbelievably homesick, so I left for a few days,” said Fernandes.
“Why didn’t I tell the club? To be honest, I don’t want to talk about this. But I will say one thing – this isn’t funny. I sympathise with Spain star Jesus Navas, who found it hard to leave his home at the start of his career.”
Despite addressing his depression with counselling, Fernandes continued to live an ill-disciplined life that frequently compromised his huge potential. The full-back was often found in nightclubs, drank too much, ate poorly and lacked the focus and diligence required of players at the highest level.
“I would drink so much that I would sometimes show up drunk to training,” recalled Fernandes. “I was 19 and I lived alone. I ate pizza and Mcdonald’s every day.”
Two years later he received a call from the Brazil national team, but missed his flight to join up with the rest of the squad after partying until the early hours the night before.
Fernandes decided to relaunch his career – and his life – in 2012 with a £13million move to CSKA Moscow. His solitary appearance for Brazil came in a friendly match against Japan in 2014.
But he decided to wait five years to gain Russian citizenship and become eligible to play for his adopted country.
He finally made his Russia debut last October in a friendly against South Korea, and has flourished ever since, leading to wild celebrations (left) when they beat Spain on penalties to reach the last eight.
Moving to a new country has been the making of Fernandes, enabling him to eschew the damaging elements of his former lifestyle that had threatened to ruin his career before it had begun.
“I became more professional,” said Fernandes (right). “If you ask around, everyone will tell you how professional I am, how hard I work, that I do the right things.
“When we’re younger we do things we regret. I learned from
them. My problem was the nightlife. Everybody knew I partied a lot. I drank a lot when I played in Brazil, so I obviously regret it.
“But I don’t do it any longer. You can ask whoever you want. I don’t even know the Russian nightlife.” Fernandes is reaping the benefits of his improved lifestyle, with some outstanding displays at the World Cup which are likely to lead to a big-money move this summer. And on the eve of the most important game of his life, Fernandes reflected on the path that has taken him to this point and how thankful he is to be here. “The problems I had are in the past,” said Fernandes.
“I’m a different man now and very glad for everything that is happening, always with my feet on the ground and working hard.
“I hope we can play a great match and make our families and Russia fans very happy. That’s the main thing.”