ANDERSON feared a nightmare injury had ended
his dream of joining Manchester United. But today all the Brazilian
thinks about is beating Barcelona in the “biggest game of his
life”.
Just a year ago, it was all so different after he
picked up an horrific broken foot in Porto’s derby clash against
Benfica. The injury left Anderson devastated and worrying his
switch to Old Trafford might never materialise. Boss Alex Ferguson
had wanted to nab the midfielder much earlier and blood him in
United’s reserves — yet the setback put a stop to all that.
Anderson eventually went back to his homeland to
complete his recovery and, after a six-month lay-off, Fergie
splashed £18million to land him. Anderson, 20 last week, said: “I
would have joined United earlier as they were following me for a
long time. But I broke my foot and I was out of action for six
months. “I did my recuperation in Brazil and when I arrived in
Portugal I was told United continued to be interested. At the time
I thought it was such bad luck because I would not be at the level
United expected of me.
“But I did not worry about the scouts of Manchester. I
just focused on making a full recuperation.” Anderson had
goose-bumps when he finally made his debut for the Red Devils at
the start of the season. And now he cannot wait to face Catalan
giants Barca in the Champions League semi-final next week — the
game he believes should have been the final.
Anderson added: “When I made my United debut I felt
something special. It was a great moment and I felt so happy. "I’ve
played in great teams — like Gremio or Porto — but the day I played
my first game at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt against
Sunderland, that is a day I will never forget.
“For me, the semi-final against Barca will be like
playing the final. “Playing against Barca is the most important
game of my life and I will prepare myself as if I was playing the
final of the Champions League. “I think it should be the final
because if you look at the stats we are the two best teams in the
competition.
“Ronaldinho will not play and Messi will not be at his
best but the squad of Barcelona is excellent. “I like Andres
Iniesta a lot, he’s my favourite player from Barcelona. Then there
is Xavi, Deco, Eto’o, Henry. It’s a great team.” Like Ronaldinho,
Anderson comes from Porto Alegre and, inevitably, comparisons are
made with the two-time World Player of the Year.
Yet Anderson insisted: “For me, Ronaldinho will always
be the greatest. “He’s done it all and I’ve not won anything. I’m
just starting out. But it gives me great pride that people compare
me to him.” Anderson is just as proud of being part of the United
set-up. He added:
“Cristiano Ronaldo has helped me adapt. “You work a lot
here. I’ve trained like never before. Training sessions are hard
and you live for football 24 hours a day. “Alex Ferguson is
special. For me, he is the best. "On occasions, he gives the
impression he is distant but he’s always on top of everything and
he likes working with the young players.
“Look at the work he did with Giggs, Scholes and even
Ronaldo. “It’s an honour to be able to work with a manager like
him.”