Kleberson still eyeing Premiership move
Wednesday, 2 April 2003 09:23Brazil midfielder Kleberson is still determined to secure a dream move to the Premiership. The 23-year-old, linked in the past with Newcastle United and Celtic, is one of only two of Brazil's World Cup-winners still playing in his homeland. A move to St James' Park fell through when his club Atletico Paranaense refused offers to buy the player or take him on loan.
But Kleberson, whose contract expires in February next year, has not given up hope of making the transatlantic trip. He said: "It is a dream for me to play one day in England. I believe I am ready to take this challenge."
Kleberson continues to play a key role as a defensive midfielder for his country, starting the 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Saturday. His partnership with Arsenal's Gilberto Silva was fundamental to Brazil's World Cup success and Kleberson revealed that the Gunner has sold him on the English game.
He added: "He talks of how well contested the matches are in the Premier League. In Brazil the game is more based on individual skills. In England teams play quicker and with more tactical awareness."
Marcos, Brazil's World Cup goalkeeper, is the other member of the team still stuck in South America. His move to Arsenal - reportedly worth £2.3million - was hampered by his failure to secure a work permit. The 29-year-old Palmeiras goalkeeper revealed: "To play in England you need to have been in 75% of internationals and I had only 72%. I arrived on the 25th and the transfer window closed on the 31st, that was not enough for an appeal."
Filed by Shane Murray
