Leandrinho: Brazilian Ambassador of the... do football?

When Leandrinho Barbosa was signed by the Phoenix Suns in 2003, I knew it would be, in a sense, an Ambassador of the Brazilian basketball in the NBA. But not perhaps imagine that also became a sponsor of football, the sport most practiced child.

Since he came into contact with the Suns with Canadian Steve Nash, a passionate follower of the Tottenham Hotspurs and one of the owners of the Vancouver Whitecaps of the MLS, Leandrinho has seen how the sport in which his country was five times world champion has won many fans among the participants in the National Basketball League. And, being now the Indiana Pacers guard one of the four Brazilians of that Championship, it was natural that both teammates and opponents go on to talk about football.

Immersed in their preparations for the London 2012 Olympics in his hometown, Sao Paulo, Leandrinho speaks to FIFA.com about who understood truth of football in the world of the NBA, their perspectives on the World Cup of FIFA and, how no, the Corinthians, the team of his heart, although last year coquetease dangerously with Flamengo during a brief stay in the Red-Black club. This is the first in a series of interviews with Brazilian personalities from other areas that speak of course football by 2014 Brazil.

FIFA.com: Is it true that you will be given either the ball? In feet? It is curious that, in basketball, in many moments you can be considered one of the smaller players, when measuring 1.91 m. However, in football it would be in the Group of los altos...
Leandrinho: well, could play. Some people have already told me that it might be a good central, and others that could benefit me as a striker, because I have off to a good start. I could not say which post, but I defend. In general, the players are quite small. There are not many large.

Has it always played football?
It is my intention, child, was playing football. But it was difficult to have a chance: there is much competition, so I never tried good luck in a club. He played in the street, even barefoot, going a goal with the other kids. Or there were times in that put four players on one side and four on the other. But my older brother played basketball, and I ended up following in his footsteps.

It is assumed, then it would already encourage to Corinthians at the time.
I was born at Corinthians. At birth my father put me in your lap, and had a black and white scarf in your hands to hold me. It was told my mother and my brothers. I could not go to the stadium, because our economic situation was very difficult. When I could see the television, it followed from home or would go with my father to the small neighborhood bars that were parties. The area had many people of Corinthians, and I much encouraged the team with my father. The happiest time for me, was that of Edilson, Vampeta, Ricardinho [three players who made history with the club at the end of the 1990s and beginning of the past decade, winning two Brazilian Championships and the cup of clubs of the world FIFA Brazil 2000]. It is one of the teams more joys has given to the fans.

And now? Can you follow the team from United States?
What I I by television cable in a channel that broadcasts games from around the world. I also have TV Globo, and see it when I have time.

What you think of the current situation of football in United States?
Now there is great interest in football. See all: Brazil, Europe or the MLS. We have Neymar, who is a great player, and outside pay you much attention. Everyone wondered if it really is so good. I always say that football here, in Brazil, is very good, very high level, since many people has come from outside. In MLS, since David Beckham went to Los Angeles Galaxy, and now with Thierry Henry, who is another media player, also attention is paid much more. The stadiums are always full.

Tell us now what the relationship of the stars of the NBA with football. We know that sometimes you play partidillos within the track.
Phoenix Suns, I liked to give a touch to the ball, but I didn't have anyone with whom to play. When Steve Nash came to the team, it was fantastic. At the end of the training, it was inevitable: passed directly to the football.

Well, he is one of the best bases. But he plays football well?
It is very good. Play the same football than basketball: If you would like to play for any team, would have no problems. He is passionate. So, this 27th, will organize a charity party in New York. It brings together people from the NBA and also get to England players. Also going to go Henry, who is pretty friend of ours since he played in New York, and is a great type. When players at the party come together, are on one side basketball and football in the other, and we want to win!

Who plays more?
In Phoenix, was also Boris Diaw, who is French, very high, but it is well, and Goran Dragic, which is Slovenian. But one that plays well and that we left was Shaquille O'Neal, who is Archer. Measure 2.16, and likes to throw to the ground, so after the training we put a mattress and improvisábamos two posts. He loved, and we challenged. The team were then encouraged. In Indiana, George Hill had been a goalkeeper at the University. The Toronto Raptors was José Calderón, Spanish. He is Real Madrid and Barcelona, I love so we had that rivalry. Wherever there was a classic, we made a bet. When I left the Toronto was just when Real Madrid beat Barcelona. I then called to claim I had won, and I was no longer there.

Brazil FIFA World Cup will be held in two years. What to expect from this tournament?
I'm looking forward to, I think it's gonna be crazy, all over the country will involve and overflow of emotion. There is no country as passionate as Brazil. This week, with Corinthians in Copa Libertadores, we have already seen how was São Paulo. You imagine the entire country as well?

Finally, what is your main memory of a FIFA World Cup?
I have already followed several, but not attend personally. It marked me quite of the fourth title in 1994, in United States. I was 12 years old, and I remember the party. They were Bebeto, Romario and Ronaldo, who was still starting. It was a great title, the first in 24 years. It was present for many years.