Making history and facing Neymar – Lingard on life in Brazil

Jesse Lingard is carving out a unique chapter in his football career, becoming the first English player to feature in Brazil’s top-tier league. The former Manchester United midfielder has taken an unexpected but bold step by joining Corinthians, embracing a new football culture and environment far removed from his previous experiences in Europe and Asia.

The move raised eyebrows when it was first announced, with some Brazilian analysts questioning the decision. Local pundit Mauro Cezar Pereira even described the signing as unusual. However, Lingard has quickly begun to settle into life in Brazil, proving that he remains determined to compete at a high level and make a meaningful impact.

After leaving FC Seoul, Lingard had multiple options available to him, but ultimately chose Corinthians for the challenge and prestige the club offers. He emphasized that his decision was driven by a desire to test himself in a competitive league and to represent one of Brazil’s biggest football institutions.

Lingard has made it clear that his ambitions are not limited to simply participating. He has set his sights on success, stating that his goal is to win silverware with Corinthians. His mindset reflects a player still hungry for achievement despite being in the later stages of his career.

One of the key influences behind his move was former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay, who encouraged him to take the opportunity. Depay has also played a role in helping Lingard adjust to his new surroundings, easing the transition into South American football.

Lingard made his debut for Corinthians in a high-profile match against Fluminense at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Returning to competitive action after a period without regular football, he described the experience as incredible and refreshing. Having spent time training alone before this move, stepping back onto such a historic stage was particularly meaningful.

However, his early days at the club have not been without challenges. Shortly after his arrival, Corinthians went through managerial changes, with Dorival Junior being dismissed following a poor run of results. The team had struggled, failing to secure a win in eight matches and finding themselves near the relegation zone.

The appointment of Fernando Diniz as the new manager has since brought renewed energy to the squad. Under his leadership, Corinthians have managed to secure victories in their Copa Libertadores fixtures, offering hope for a turnaround in form.

Lingard has also experienced the intense passion of Brazilian football fans firsthand. Supporters have even visited the club’s training ground to express their expectations and support. This level of involvement was something Lingard had never encountered before in his career.

He acknowledged the fans’ passion, noting that their presence serves as both motivation and pressure. While their support inspires the players to perform better, it also means that poor performances are met with strong criticism. This dynamic reflects the deeply emotional connection between Brazilian clubs and their supporters.

Another challenge Lingard is facing is adapting to the language. Unlike his time in South Korea, where he had access to a translator, he is navigating life in Brazil without one. Communication with teammates is aided by a few players who speak some English, but Lingard is making an effort to learn Portuguese.

He expressed optimism about picking up the language, noting that he already knows a few basic phrases, including greetings and how to order coffee. Compared to Korean, which he found particularly difficult, he believes Portuguese will be easier to learn with time and practice.

Despite the focus on his new journey, Lingard continues to follow developments at Manchester United closely. Having spent two decades at the club, he reflects fondly on his time there, describing it as an incredible chapter of his life.

Lingard left United in 2022 after his contract expired, marking the end of a long association with the club he joined as a youngster. He later moved to Nottingham Forest before eventually exploring opportunities abroad.

His decision to move to South Korea was initially met with surprise, but Lingard explained that it was a necessary step to refocus on his career and regain clarity. Now, his move to Brazil represents another attempt to challenge himself and rediscover his best form.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have experienced a period of transition. Under the management of Michael Carrick, who took over in January, the team has shown significant improvement. Lingard believes Carrick is the right person to lead the club moving forward, highlighting his deep understanding of the club’s culture and values.

He praised Carrick’s impact, noting that the players appear to be responding well to his methods. Lingard’s confidence in his former teammate reflects his belief that stability and continuity are essential for long-term success.

Lingard also remains in touch with United captain Bruno Fernandes, whom he described as a supportive figure during his time at the club. Fernandes has been in exceptional form, contributing numerous assists this season and playing a key role in United’s resurgence.

Lingard believes Fernandes deserves recognition at the highest level, even suggesting that he should be considered among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or. He emphasized that Fernandes’ performances have been outstanding, regardless of the team he represents.

Looking beyond club football, Lingard also shared his thoughts on Brazilian players and the international stage. He named Neymar and Ronaldinho as his favorite Brazilian footballers, acknowledging their influence and talent.

He revealed that he occasionally communicates with Neymar and expressed excitement about the possibility of facing him in domestic competition. For Lingard, competing against world-class players is an opportunity to test his abilities and push himself further.

Reflecting on his own international career, Lingard earned 32 caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. As the next major tournament approaches, he believes England have a strong chance of success.

He identified Brazil, England, and France as the leading contenders but expressed confidence in England’s ability to perform well on the big stage. Lingard’s belief in the squad highlights his continued connection to the national team.

In conclusion, Jesse Lingard’s move to Brazil represents a bold and unconventional step in his career. From adapting to a new culture and language to competing in a passionate football environment, he is embracing the challenge with determination. His journey reflects a player eager to prove himself once again while contributing to Corinthians’ ambitions for success.