I've practically grown up with FC Bayern Munich since the age of 11. In my case, a talent scout noticed me when I was playing for a local youth team at Gern in Munich.
I'm from a council estate myself, and the biggest release we had as kids was football. That's where all the great players learn their trade - as kids having a kickabout.
I'm grateful to Fulham for allowing me to come back on loan, where it all kind of started for me in Europe.
I'm really happy with how things have gone in Santander. I think coming back to Spanish football has been crucial. This is where I grew up as a player, where I learnt the game.
I've already promised that I want to end my career where I started it, as a way of thanking those who gave me the chance to make my name in football. I want to have a spell there before I retire, but one that's enjoyable for me and for them, too.
All of my football, even my introduction, even my coaches, most of them came from Europe, particularly England. So pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football.
If I have to return to Brazil, I'd like to play at Corinthians again. It represents a lot, I was born and raised there, my footballing career began there when I was nine, I've spent my entire childhood there.
My football comes from the streets.
When you come up against a big, powerful football nation, you are playing against history. When you talk about street football, you are talking about South American players who have grown up with nothing.
Football needs its roots, it needs its connection with the supporters. But those in charge seem to think they can do without them.
