Reinier: “With the first team I learned a lot in a short time”

Reinier Jesús (18 years old), on loan from Real Madrid to Borussia Dortmund, gave his first interview in Europe to the Brazilian media Esporte Interativo. This is the transcript:

Everything has happened very quickly. How has it been?

It is an inexplicable sensation. I worked hard to get to where I am now and I want more, I want to do my best at Borussia. I am very happy with all the opportunities I had at Madrid and now it is a new beginning.

Let's go back to the day of his presentation with Madrid. That felt?

I was quite excited to talk about my family, they are everything to me. It was a unique feeling to see me at the Bernabéu with that shirt, it was incredible. It was a great experience to play those few games with Castilla, as was the experience of training later with the first team. With Vinicius, Rodrygo … Casemiro has helped me a lot because we Brazilians always help each other, Marcelo too. I am happy for that opportunity and now it is a new beginning.

What do you think of Raúl?

He is a great person and a great coach. In three games that I played with him, two wins. He likes to play well. Now in that Youth League they deserved the title. Raúl is an idol and he deserves that title, just like the players. I am happy for them.

How were the training sessions with the first team?

In that little time I learned a lot. I was able to meet new players with different qualities. I was happy to train alongside him, as players I spent my childhood watching. It was wonderful, different.

Different in what way?

Soccer is faster, you can't think much. High-level players are like that, you have to play a touch or two, you don't have much time to think. It was a great experience. I am very happy with my months in Madrid, it is a wonderful city.

Why do you choose Dortmund?

The first thing because of the great fans they have, they are passionate. And then the opportunity to play the Champions League, the Bundesliga … I will play all the important championships. I said OK and thank God everything was completed.

Who has helped you the most in this time?

It is difficult because it is another language. But Witsel has helped me a lot, because he spent a year in Portugal. Also Guerreiro. They helped me to explain some exercises. I am happy for the help of all staff.

Who caught your attention the most in the first training sessions?

Everyone. You can see the intensity and level of the players from the beginning, I really like playing with them. It is a fast game, with speed and direct. I am impressed with everyone.

What is Haaland like?

He is very competitive, a great player. And it marks a lot, right? Today we trained in two periods and we were lying down, resting. He slept, I played with my cell phone and, shortly after, I heard the music of Champions: it was his alarm clock. Then I said, 'He's angry.' I even played with him calling him 'Haalandinho' and then he told me about Brazil, a few words of slang … he likes the review.

Good pair …

Dupla, trio with Sancho and with everyone. We are going to give our lives for Borussia. Little by little I get to know the players and the training sessions.
Did you talk to the coach about the position in which you will play?

Yes. I told him that I play in any attack position. Right, left, inside … He liked it and we'll see in the first game, I don't know when because it will depend on my physical form. Little by little I am improving.

Are you open to playing in various positions?

Yes, super open. Where I play I will give my best.

Dortmund have a lot of young players. Do you feel prepared with so much competition?

Yes, I am ready. I will do my best. In each game I must do my best and we will see what happens. It is a promising season and we are going to fight and train. Here I really like to work, morning and evening every day.

What is their objective?

Winning titles is what any player wants. I was at Flamengo for six months and I had the chance to win titles. I want to do my best and win titles to make the fans happy. I want to grow as a person and a player, to learn. I have a lot to learn from those with more experience.

Is it a dream to play the Champions League?

Yes. It is a dream that is coming. It is a feeling that has no explanation. Playing the Champions League with Borussia … It's a dream.

Why the number 20?

There is no special reason. I always had the 19 at Flamengo and Castilla. The 19th was busy. I was free on 20 and 19 + 1 is 20 (laughs).

Have you seen a Flamengo game?

I follow him, I got to see all the games when I was in Madrid and here I also saw the game the other day. Surely everything will be as good as in 2019 soon.