Giba
“I’m leaving the national team but I am very proud to have stayed 20 years with this team, these men and with (coach) Bernado Rezende,” Giba said. “Everyone said that Brazil was finished even though we only missed the final twice in this last cycle. The Brazilian journalists have to forgive me, but that cannot be said (that Brazil are finished). I think that we were able to shut everyone up. Therefore, I leave this team very sad because of this criticism, but very happy for having been part of this great group of men.”
Giba, who recovered from surgery to his lower left leg in February to play in London, has a 2004 gold medal and 2008 silver to his name and also played in Sydney in 2000 when Brazil finished sixth. He is also a three-time world champion (2002, 2006 and 2010), eight-time World League winner and also led Brazil to two World Cup titles.
With that sort of pedigree, Giba, 35, would be a great asset in the coaching ranks however he indicated a full time coach is probably not his preferred opening choice.
“I think about continuing in sport and in volleyball, in particular. I’ve always joked with Bernardo but I’ll leave coaching to him. Even though I think I’d be good at it, it’s not for me. I believe that with my experience on the court I can help outside the court, too.”
