Reds right-back Rafael explains why he is relishing a run of fixtures at Old Trafford... Matchdays are the most exciting days for me, especially at Old Trafford. When matchday comes, I cant wait for the game to start. I wouldnt say I have many superstitions apart from the fact I have to listen to some music exactly one hour before we have our pre-match meal. I always sit down with my laptop and put my headphones on and usually put some samba music on to get me in the mood for the game. My brother Fabio doesnt have any superstitions and he always says to me when I get my laptop out, what are you doing? He cant understand it but it helps me focus. In the dressing room before kick-off Im starting to get focused on the game and I dont do anything in particular to get myself ready. Its the moment when youre stood in the tunnel about to step out onto the pitch that is very special. Youre nervous and excited and you cant wait for the game to start. I try to stay calm and focused. Out on the pitch, I dont tend to spend a lot of time looking around the stadium at things or taking in the occasion too much; you would lose your concentration if you did that. But I do always wave to my [older] brother in the Family Stand at the end of matches. Old Trafford is a great place to play football and I have a lot of great memories of playing there already, but for me I still remember how it felt to sit in the [directors] box and watch the team win 7-1 against Roma [in April 2007]. That was amazing. I thought, this is where I want to be, out there playing in matches like that. That is a great memory for me. Now it is a fantastic honour to play at this stadium, its one of the best in the world.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 11:46:39 +0000
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