How one of Brazil’s 1982 World Cup stars helped Fred

When Inside United asked Fred about his time at Eder’s football school, he replied: “He was genuinely a coach there, he’s a great guy and I’m so happy to have been coached by him. It was where it all began for me, even for what was a short period of time. He’s a great person. These days, he coaches at my hometown club, Atletico Mineiro. I wish him all the best as he’s a top guy.

“Brazil’s a massive country, and for every 10 children, 10 want to be football players. I grew up in this environment, the land of football, dreaming of playing professionally and becoming a great player. My mum and dad were always a big influence, they helped me with everything: family, school, homework, and would always take me to football. This was all very important. I was brought up in the best way imaginable and I’m very grateful to everybody who helped me on this journey. Today, I look back and realise how much this journey was all worth it.”