Qatar Football AssociationNews
16.01.2017 6:16 in :

Givanildo Vieira de Sousa knows a thing or two about playing in a FIFA World Cup™ on home soil. The Shanghai SIPG staralso knows the galvanising effect such an event can have on the sporting psyche of a nation and a region, for generations to come.

The Brazilian striker, known more commonly around the world as Hulk, spoke exclusively to sc.qa while in Qatar for a winter training camp with his club. Looking ahead to the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, he said the young Qatari players who will form part of the home side will be presented with an opportunity unlike any other.

He said: “I think Qatar 2022 will be absolutely incredible. I have been here for four years each winter, and each year you can see the country evolve a lot. So I am sure that it will be a fantastic spectacle here in 2022.”

The former Porto star added: “The infrastructure here in Qatar is wonderful, it is absolutely ideal for a good preseason,” he said. “You can focus on your job, and we are very warmly received here, so it is an obvious choice for us.”

The 30-year-old, who won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup at home, is also aware of the rising importance of Asian football, and highlighted the growth of football across the continent following his move to the Chinese Super League side in 2016.

“I think it is a very important development, which ensures a lot of investment in sporting infrastructure. Asia, China and the Middle East will be very big football powerhouses in the coming years, they are investing a lot. I think everything they do is very well planned. So I am sure they already have plans set up for this to be a very good World Cup in 2022,” he said.

When the Brazilian striker steps onto a football pitch and unleashes his powerful left-footed shot, opposing defenders can be forgiven for taking a second glance at his imposing physique. Off the field, he is remarkably relaxed, though, and answers questions with a refreshing smile.

Asked about who he would prefer to have in his side between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he said: “I would take Messi and Ronaldo, and also Neymar. All four of us could go to play in attack together.”