Beckham in Brazil
Posted by Gringo Maclure in David Beckham | 2 February 2008
Two bits of news coming out of Brazil recently.
David Beckham visited Brazil last week, in fact he visited the very town I live in - the sleepy seaside city of Natal in the north east of the country. It was big news round here and the international press covered the story extensively. The reason for the commotion: Beckham's next football academy - after LA and London - will be here in Brazil, away from the hustle of the big cities and a stone's throw away from some of the most pristine beaches on the continent. The Times gave a fairly good write up of the situation here. It all looks good on paper. Community development schemes, new infrastructure and a hospital are planned as well as the prospect of better footballers (like Brazil needs those!) being churned out through the academy. But, I'm not so sure it's all good news. As Natal is dragged into the 21st Century, the associated ills of environmental exploitation, insecurity, prostitution and crime are becoming more prevalent too. By 2014 Natal could be hosting the English World Cup team (should they qualify!). How different will this city be in six short years, and will it be different for the better or for the worse?
The Brazilian press have also been reporting the potential return from Italy to their homeland of two heroes of the national team: Adriano and Ronaldo. Both have been panned as the biggest flops of the last season by the Italian press. Adriano, whose personal problems have contributed to a dip in form on the pitch, is already back in Brazil, playing for Sao Paulo. Perhaps he just needed a regular diet of Brazilian beans because he scored two goals on his debut. Ronaldo is still in Italy but is being courted by Flamengo. Brazilians treat both of these characters with a confusing mixture of adoration (if you play in Europe you are elevated to cult-like status) and derision (for their rather portly figures and dodgy hair cuts).
But, returning to Brazil presents it's own problems. After threats of kidnapping to his family Ze Roberto lasted only a few short months in the number 10 shirt of Santos last year and returned to Germany to ply his trade. Meanwhile, back in Italy a young Brazilian called Alexandre Pato is outshining Ronaldo - and some say even Kaka - in the AC Milan number 7 shirt.
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