A lot of the moves I make originate from futsal. It's played in a very small space, and the ball control is different in futsal. And to this day my ball control is pretty similar to a futsal player's control.
In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. You notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
I think all children like futsal. Making quick decisions, moving fast when you're in difficulties on the pitch; it teaches you a lot. I'm passionate about this sport.
I think kids should be doing pickup or futsal all the time.
Players like Ronaldinho and Neymar started in futsal schools. Denilson loved playing too, looking for things to take onto the soccer pitch.
I started playing futsal in the favela because it was the closest pitch to where we lived. I think it was good for me, playing in a small space like that. You have to think and act quickly.
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.
I played Futebol de Salão for many years and it helped me to become the player I am today. There you don't have time to think, you are always tightly marked and you develop a sense for performing in small spaces.
Different techniques are now being used in futsal and handball. It's about timing more than anything else. Those little intricacies are slowly being picked up in the women's game - and it's kind of going unnoticed.
