Samba Claus is coming to town
HOW OVERSEAS STARS SPEND CHRISTMAS
ROBERTO FIRMINO and his Brazilian Premier League pals are ready to bring Samba Claus to town – even if they can’t bring the sunshine too.
Nineteen players born in Brazil play in the top flight and face a very different Christmas to back home.
The average temperature in Liverpool on Christmas Day is eight degrees, while in Rio de Janeiro it is a steaming 30.
But Liverpool’s Firmino says he has come to enjoy the English traditions which make Christmas a festive football feast.
The striker was born in Maceio, the capital of the coastal state of Alagoas, and has childhood memories of Christmas in the sea.
But he insists tinsel and snow on Merseyside does have i ts compensations.
He said: “For me, Christmas in England is very different from the one in Brazil for lots of reasons – on and off the pitch.
“But I’ve been here since 2015 and I’ve already got used to playing on these dates.
“When I played in Germany, the league stopped, but here it is played, so the fans can enjoy Christmas better.
“I don’t mind that at all because we play for them.”
However, Firmino admits there re is no comparison between Christmas in Brazil and England.
“My Christmas here, when I am not playing, is at home with my family with lots of food and products from Brazil.
“And, of course, we exchange gifts, like everyone – and they have to be an absolute secret.
“In Brazil, Christmas is celebrated in another way.
The heat, the summer, the beach, very different clothes. It is the opposite of here. Having your whole family together is the most important thing. But I’m a professional and you have to adapt to your place of work.”
Firmino isn’t the only Br Brazilian having to get used to the cold in December.
The Premier League is full of Brazilian talent, from David Luiz and Willian at Chelsea t o Gabriel Jesus, Fernandinho, Ederson and Danilo at Manchester City and
Fred at United. Not f orgetting Firmino’s Anfield team-mates Alisson and Fabinho, of course.
You can also add to the list Chelsea’s Jorginho, who plays for Italy, but was born in a small Brazilian coastal town in the state of Santa Catarina.
“I come from a place called Imbituba and Christmas there’s very different,” he said.
“In fact, it’s very different to London altogether. I love it here, but never want to forget where I came from because roots are very important.
“Imbituba is a place that is very relaxed – just the beach, the sun and no traffic! Christmas here will feel different, but I’m looking forward to it.” Jorginho begins his festive campaign with a match at Watford on Boxing Day, as Firmino takes on Newcastle and fellow Brazilian Kenedy. “I hope it will be a very special Christmas for Liverpool fans,” said Firmino.