Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alisson gave an exclusive interview to Flashscore one day before his first call-up to the Brazil national team, discussing his adaptation in Ukraine, his development and life in a country at war. The 21-year-old celebrated the call-up on Thursday.
Settling in at Shakhtar
Alisson said he has several Brazilian teammates at Shakhtar who helped him through the adaptation process. Flashscore said the most important of them is forward Pedrinho, who also played for Atletico-MG.
Alisson said: "The climate and language were genuinely a little different, but on the pitch I found it very easy to adapt. Shakhtar already has a reputation for having a lot of Brazilians, and that helped me a lot. I admit that the cold here is a bit difficult, but it is a good place to live, and I feel very comfortable here."
Alisson said: "Pedrinho was like a father to me here. There were even times when he paid for things because I did not yet have a credit card. He helped me a lot. My English is better than his, though (laughs). He was one of the main people who helped me on the pitch, always showing me shortcuts. He was also one of the main people helping me settle in here."
Development and Brazil ambitions
Alisson said he has improved by being more purposeful and more direct in trying to score and provide assists. He said he has improved particularly against Champions League teams. Flashscore said he made the first Champions League appearances of his career this season.
Flashscore said Alisson is enjoying a strong spell with Shakhtar, which brought him onto the radar of Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian coach.
Alisson said: "It is my childhood dream. I have this goal in mind, and I think I am on the right path. I need to perform well for my club. The exposure from the Champions League helps, and I have been doing my job well on the pitch. I know the competition is fierce, but I believe I will achieve this objective. I have already been part of Brazil's youth teams, so I know what it is like to be at Granja Comary."
Life in Ukraine during war
Alisson said that since arriving in Ukraine he has not experienced the apocalyptic situation many people imagine.
Alisson said: "Since I arrived, I have not experienced the apocalyptic situation many people imagine. There have been times when I have heard sirens in Kyiv and heard attacks."
He also said his closest contact with the war was seeing an area near Kyiv after a match where a missile had struck.
Early hardship
Alisson said he came from a very humble family and went through financial hardship early in his career.
Alisson said: "There was a period when I did not have football boots to play in."
