Brazilian Gustavo Adjusting To North American Life With FC Edmonton

Photo credit: FC Edmonton

FC Edmonton midfielder Gustavo is adjusting to a different way of life following his offeseason signing with the club. The Brazilian midfielder is not only getting his first taste of the NASL, but North America in general.

Gustavo’s signing was announced in January, adding more attacking options for the Eddies in 2016. It wasn’t until just days before the team’s Scotland preseason trip, however, that the midfielder arrived in Edmonton, driving straight from the airport to the team’s annual photo-day session.

“The work permit for Canada is a very long process for Brazilians,” he said. “We didn’t know about that and this made me come to Edmonton one month later than the other players.”

Less than a week following his arrival in Edmonton, Gustavo was back in the air as he and his new Eddies teammates flew to Scotland for their two-week preseason trip. Fast forward a month and Gustavo has now begun to settle into his new surroundings and team, recently making his NASL debut in the Eddies’ April 10 home opener against Minnesota United.

“I can see that we have a very good team,” Gustavo said. “Our players are very connected to each other and they gave me a very good support inside and outside of the field to make me feel comfortable. Our coaches are very experienced, too, and I think that we have a chance to have a very good season.”

Gustavo’s professional career kicked off at the age of 17 with Brazilian club Sport Recife. Since then, he has played with a number of clubs including Grêmio Barueri, Montedio Yamagata (J-League), Widzew Lodz, América and most recently, Murici. While the well-travelled veteran has played – and lived – in a number of countries throughout his career, 2016 marks his first time on North American soil.

Since arriving, he has kept a low-key routine outside of the Eddies’ training, travel, and playing schedule.

“Normally I stay at home relaxing,” Gustavo said. “Talking with family, watching movies, reading the bible. Just recently, I went to the West Edmonton Mall. I was really impressed how big it is there, I almost got lost inside!”

When it comes to business on the pitch, Gustavo’s ambitions are anything but relaxed.

“I want to be a champion here,” he added. “I want to do what is best for the team by contributing with goals and my skillset.”