Raphael De Oliveira
In his eleventh season abroad and with his huge international experience, he brings so much to this young team. He has already defended the colors of teams from Russia, Italy and currently Turkey. Rapha had the opportunity to compete in the elite club competitions, to travel almost the whole world and learned from the different cultures of each country.
Learning was a key of Raphael’s growth as a player and as a person.
“I left Brazil straight to Russia with 23 years. The difference was very large. I went to Kazan, a city where the cold was minus 30 degrees and at 14h was night already. Everything was difficult and different, but it made me grow a lot. From there I went to Italy, which is already more like Brazil, where I spent eight years, and now I`m in Turkey. I think the biggest growth is learning to respect the lives of others with regard to culture, religion, and customs” explained Rapha.
He is playing for Halkbank and he is on loan from Trentino (he has five years contract and he has played last four seasons for them). But, after long time, Rapha starts thinking to playing again in Brazil.
“I really want to return to Brazil. Before, I had this connection with Trentino, with a long contract, five years, and had no way out. And I was also very good in Italy. But of course, I always wanted to return to Brazil. From 2014, we will see how it goes. Who knows?” said setter of the Brazilian team.
Rapha has never ceased to follow the national competition:
“Even from afar, I must know what happens in the Superliga. I cheer for friends and I`m watching the games on the internet. The championship in Brazil is strong and I`m happy because of that. I can say with certainty that the Brazilian league is not behind any of them in Europe. Playing Superleague again for me would be great. And who knows, can help further develop the competition, “he said.
Raphael and the Brazilian national team tomorrow will travel to Japan for another phase of training before the debut in the World Grand Champions Cup. The first game will be on the 19th, against Iran in the city of Kyoto.
To read more articles from this country click on Brazil.
For more news check out Latest news.
Also read articles from World Grand Champions Cup 2013 M
