"Uzbekistan is a beautiful country, Odil Akhmedov is vice-president? Really? He is a very smart guy" - Exclusive interview with Ari

As recently reported on our website, the prominent Brazilian footballer Ari has agreed to interview for Sports.uz, a striker who has been active in Russia for many years. It should be noted that he was the first to give an interview to the Uzbek press.

First of all, let us tell you about this player, Ari's full name is Ariclenes da Silva Ferreira. He was born on December 11, 1985, in Fortazela. He started his career in Brazil and played for FC Ava and FC Fortaleza. Until 2010, he played for the Swedish FC Kalmar and the Dutch club FC Az Alkmar. In 2010, he came to Russia and signed a contract with FC Krasnodar.

As you know, in addition to FC Krasnodar, Ari also played for FC Spartak and FC Lokomotiv. He also represented the Russian national team, albeit to a lesser extent. He is currently in Brazil. More precisely, he found it necessary to return home last year. There he continued his career with Atletico Cearensa.

- Thank you for spending some time on Sports.uz. You are well known in Uzbekistan as well. Because your matches in the Russian championship have been watched a lot. If I'm not mistaken, you are in Brazil now. Why?

- I am very glad to hear about it. Uzbekistan is a beautiful country. Yes, I returned to Brazil. Because I did not get good offers from Russia, I came to this conclusion. Of course, there was a couple of specific offers. However, we did not agree on the terms of the agreement, so I decided to return to my homeland.

- We know that you have been working effectively in Russia at FC Spartak, FC Krasnodar and FC Lokomotiv. Tell me, which club did you enjoy the most in your career?

- Every club I play for is a unique history for me. That is why it is difficult for me to single out one of them. Thanks to each team and the head coach, I gained experience. But in Krasnodar, I spent a significant part of my career. That is why my memories of this club are very different from others.

- You have lived in Russia for more than 10 years. If so, should Russia be your second home?

- Undoubtedly, Russia is my second home. Eventually, my family and I decided to return to Russia.

- In addition, you received a Russian passport and played for the national team. Do you think that your plans for this national team have come true?

- It's a great honor for me. Any footballer just wants to be a part of the national team. I had an unexpected problem getting a passport. If it weren't for those problems, I would have played more matches in the national team.

- You also played in the FC Krasnodar together with Uzbek Odil Ahmedov. Tell me, what kind of footballer was he for you?

- Yes, I remember Odil well. He's a great guy and a great player. If I'm not mistaken, he was the head of the Uzbek national team.

- At present, Odil Akhmedov has retired from football and works as a vice-president of the Football Association of Uzbekistan. Did you know that?

- I really didn't know that! Odil is a very smart guy. I think he made the right decision by taking such a responsible position. I am just happy that Akhmedov's appointment to such a position at the end of his playing career will continue his connection with football.

- Another Uzbek Eldor Shomurodov also excelled in the Russian championship. Did you expect him to reach that level? How would you assess your future at Roma?

- I do not know much about this player. All I know is that he was considered the winner of the Footballer of the Year in Uzbekistan. At the time, he deserved such recognition while playing for FC Rostov. I think that in Roma, of course, Shomurodov's work will go well. I wish him the best of luck.

- In general, what information do you have about Uzbek football?

- I know that the Uzbek national team is one of the leaders in Asia. To be honest, now I watch the club FC Saboh under the leadership of my former coach Murod Musaev.