Initially when I moved over to Italy it was really easy because I was living my dream. Everything was brand new. Then I began to get into the routine: training, school, home, home, school, training. That's all I did for 18 months. I had 20 euros to live on a week and I couldn't do anything else, because you can't with that amount of money.
I sing the Italian anthem with all my soul, with my whole body.
I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea. It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy.
Before I receive the ball I already know how that play is developing so I'm able to give rhythm to that play.
I am just a player like everyone else.
I'm really happy with my choice to be here at Chelsea.
I've had tough times before. Leaving Brazil when I was so young, saying goodbye to my family and friends to go to another culture, that was so difficult.
I am very calm, because I know how hard I am working and how much effort I am putting in.
There will always be criticism, but I remained calm and relaxed.
There are a lot of things behind a negotiation process.
I was playing in a tournament in Brazil and an agent scouted me. He took me to his soccer school. The idea was he used it to scout players and anyone he thought was good enough he took over to Italy. That's what he did with me when I was 15.
My position is one that brings balance to the team. It's a position where I'm always playing with one or two touches and I keep the rhythm of the play going.
It was tough moving to Italy so young. You don't have much experience of life, you are leaving your family and everything behind to go to another country and another culture.
The little bit of my Brazilian side in Azzurri is perhaps to play more with the ball on the ground and have the tranquility to hold the ball. The idea is to have more control of the game.
The Premier League is really nice, it's wonderful. It is also quite difficult to explain certain things. You need to experience them personally to take it all in.
Serie A will always be one of the best leagues in the world. I hope to go back one day.
There were various things behind my departure from Napoli. The will of just one party is not enough.
My mum has always been by my side for every decision I take.
Perhaps my style of play is not something that is seen in England.
I like playing just outside of my own penalty box, the player who receives the ball and organises the game.
