Ederson: From a very poor family, didn't want to be a goalkeeper, called 'fat', world record, more than 30 tattoos ... - 7M sport

Ederson: From a very poor family, didn't want to be a goalkeeper, called 'fat', world record, more than 30 tattoos ...



Posted Thursday, August 06, 2020 by Marca.com

Ederson: From a very poor family, didn't want to be a goalkeeper, called 'fat', world record, more than 30 tattoos ...

Ederson Moraes played a key role in Manchester City's 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

His footwork gave his team the upper hand as he perfectly executed Pep Guardiola's plan to feed Gabriel Jesus with long balls.

Gilberto Lopes was the man who first took note of Edeson's skills in Sao Paulo and he recalled the time when the Brazil international begged to not play between the goalposts.

"He told me: 'no professor, not goalkeeper, I want to play in my place at left-back," Gilberto told MARCA.

"It was normal, [as] he was nine years old and at that age what most of the boys want is to score goals and play as outfielders."

Gilberto also revealed that there were those who teased young Ederson because of his physique.

"He was very thin," Gilberto added.

"That's why they started jokingly calling him 'the fat one'.

"He hit the ball very hard, but technically he wasn't very good.

"And his speed was more than average.

"You had to call a taxi.

"That's why I decided to play him as a goalkeeper.

"He didn't want to, but it was soon shown that it would be a success."

His family

At a young age, Ederson joined the Ebenezer football school, where children from poor families could enjoy football.

"They brought him to us because one of his brothers was with us," Gilberto remembers.

"His family were very poor, but it was structured and his parents were present.

"They were from an area with houses where many had no roof.

"His father got up very early, at four in the morning, to deliver boxes of fruit.

"Sometimes he would help him.

"Now he is the most expensive goalkeeper in the world and he has forgotten some of those things.

"He promised us things that, let's say, he hasn't fully complied with.

"I haven't spoken to him in a long time."

Guinness world record

Ederson's powerful left leg gave him a Guinness plaque which decorates his house.

In May 2018, he had three attempts to kick a ball beyond 75 meters and he managed to send it 35cm beyond.

"[His left foot] was the best [virtue] he had, without a doubt," explained Gilberto.

"He was scoring goals when we played him as a goalkeeper."

No fear of anything

Gilberto also hailed Ederson's personality and his brave character.

"The best thing Ederson has ever had is that he was never afraid of anything," Gilberto added.

"He is brave. He was never afraid of having to play with older boys."

Heading to Europe

Ederson joined Benfica in 2009 after a scout who works in the Sao Paulo area contacted Gilberto on behalf of the agent Jorge Mendes.

"[The scout's] name was Enio," noted Gilberto.

"He had already spoken to Ederson's parents.

"So Cruzeiro wanted to sign him, but he came with a proposal from Benfica.

"But the Portuguese wanted to give him a test first.

"He asked me if the boy wouldn't make a fool of him.

"We met with Ederson and Ozias, my assistant.

"He threw him a few balls and it wasn't necessary to do more.

"He wasn't 16 years old yet.

"He is now the most expensive goalkeeper in the world."

His tattoos

Ederson has more than 30 tattoos covering his body from his neck to the ankles.

They mainly depict family memories and religious messages.



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