Champion Striker's "New Journey": An Exclusive Interview with Gustavo – Choosing Henan Was Fate, Heading is My Strongest Weapon

Reporter Lu Mi reports Gustavo, soon to be 32, is about to embark on a new journey. In February, Henan FC officially announced the signing of this prolific striker from Shanghai Port. During the winter training period, our reporter conducted an exclusive interview with him. He shared his understanding of the Chinese Super League (CSL), his reasons for joining Henan, as well as his goals and expectations for the new season. He expressed his desire to repay the trust of the team and fans with goals and performances, helping Henan achieve greater success in both the league and the FA Cup.

◆**Football**: You've played in the CSL for two years, winning the FA Cup and league championship. What is your understanding of the competitive level and rhythm of the CSL?

**Gustavo**: I believe the CSL is a highly competitive and physically demanding league, which also attracts many excellent foreign players. My life and work at Shanghai Port over the past two years were very pleasant, and I helped the team achieve good results. Now that I've come to Henan, my biggest wish is to help the team go further in both the league and the FA Cup.

◆Based on your experience in the past two years, what do you think is the key to maintaining a stable competitive state in the CSL?

To maintain a stable competitive state in the CSL, it's inseparable from daily hard training and self-discipline. I stay in communication with my agent to choose a team that truly suits me and allows me to utilize my strengths, which is an important reason for my decision to join Henan.

◆Both at Shanghai Port and now at Henan, you've faced the challenge of quickly adapting to the team. How do you address this?

It's essentially the same for every professional player. Whether it was when I first arrived in Shanghai or now in Henan, I need to quickly adapt to the team's tactical system, the new playing environment, and build familiarity and chemistry with my teammates. I hope to integrate into the team faster. Through serious daily training, I aim to let my teammates and head coach better understand my characteristics and abilities.

◆CSL teams exhibit diverse tactical styles; for instance, some focus on high pressing while others excel at defensive counter-attacks. What's your perspective on this?

As a striker, regardless of the opponent's tactics—be it high pressing or defensive counter-attacks—I need to quickly adapt to the match situation, find the best response in the shortest time, and provide tangible help to the team by scoring goals.

◆Has there been any team you've faced that you found particularly difficult to play against?

The team that left the deepest impression on me is Chengdu. Their defense is extremely tough; as a striker, it's genuinely difficult to play against them. China has many capable and distinctive local players. Although I can't pronounce all their names perfectly, I can feel their quality. I've also noticed the Chinese U23 team achieved good results in the U23 Asian Cup. Chinese football as a whole is on an upward trajectory, with youth development continuously improving. If development continues like this, I believe the future of Chinese football will get better and better.

◆**Football**: When you were leaving Shanghai Port, several CSL teams extended offers to you. Why did you ultimately choose Henan? What aspects of the team appealed to you?

**Gustavo**: It was a kind of fate and coincidence, also guided by faith, that ultimately led me to choose Henan. There are several Brazilian compatriots here—Nazarío, Maya, Maidana, as well as fitness coaches Felipe and Lucas. Maidana and Maya are former teammates of mine. Additionally, the team atmosphere fostered by the head coach is excellent; I feel very comfortable here both in life and training. I hope to translate this harmony into combat effectiveness and repay the team with better performances.

◆Did you have in-depth communication with head coach Ramos before joining? What expectations does he have for you?

I played against Henan twice last year, so I have some understanding of the team. This is a team with profound heritage and strong strength. Last season, they just lacked some luck in the attacking third, failing to convert many chances; otherwise, their ranking would definitely have been higher. Before joining, Head Coach Ramos was very positive about my arrival, and we communicated about my tactical role. He hopes I can use my individual ability to strengthen the team's attack and help the team score more goals. I hope to repay the coach's and the team's trust with more goals and points.

◆What do you consider your strongest technical attribute?

To be honest, I was initially reluctant to say, fearing opponents would target it. But if I must say, my strongest technical attribute is heading. As a striker, instinct in front of goal is crucial. I excel at finding the best position, timing my jump perfectly, and heading the ball into the net.

◆Henan scored the most headed goals in the CSL last season, with Maidana being the team's top scorer for a period. With his and Maya's aerial ability plus yours, the team's aerial dominance is even stronger.

Maidana and Maya form an excellent defensive partnership with distinct individual qualities. With their strong presence in the box, I believe the team's aerial advantage will be more pronounced this season. I also hope we can progress further in the league and achieve better results.

◆Henan employs a dual-foreigner center-back configuration, meaning there's one fewer foreign player in the attacking third compared to some teams. Henan fans have high expectations for your signing, with many considering it the most cost-effective winter transfer. Will the fans' expectations be motivation for you in the new season?

I believe a team's success relies not only on foreign players but, more importantly, on the contributions of all local players on the pitch. I am confident that in the new season, the local players will provide me with ample support in attack. It's not just about me scoring; the local players can also help the team earn points together. The expectations and support from the fans are not pressure for me but greater motivation. I deeply cherish this trust and affection, and I hope to carry this motivation onto the pitch, giving my all and fighting hard for Henan FC and its fans.

◆Joining Henan as a free agent this time, does this align with your career planning at this stage?

After leaving Shanghai Port, the transfer process was indeed somewhat agonizing for me, and there was an emotional落差, having spent two years there. Ultimately, joining Henan is a very happy thing for me. Here, I've met many new friends. The team has outstanding foreign players, excellent local players, and a professional coaching staff. We have completed two phases of winter training. I believe during the upcoming final preparation period, our teamwork will improve even more. This fully aligns with my career planning at this stage.

◆Having played in the CSL for two years, did it make you more inclined to stay in China when choosing your next club? What are your initial impressions of Henan's city culture and fan atmosphere?

I have fully adapted to the rhythm and style of the CSL, which makes me more willing to stay and continue playing in China. The reason I chose Henan is precisely because I have goals in mind—to help the team achieve a better league ranking and even challenge for the championship. This anticipation will be my greatest motivation in training and matches. I haven't been in Zhengzhou for long, just briefly explored the nearby area. I was fortunate to meet some teammates' families and had meals with fellow Brazilians like Nazarío and Lucas, which felt very warm. The weather in Zhengzhou is quite cold, so I've mostly stayed around the hotel and haven't ventured further yet, but I can already feel the warmth here.

◆**Football**: Do you have any specific goals, such as competing for the league's Golden Boot?

**Gustavo**: I am currently in a crucial phase of winter training preparation. I believe thorough preparation will allow the team to face the new season with better competitive form and spirit. Football is a team sport; the team's success always comes above individual success. I am willing to make unconditional efforts for my teammates and believe they will support me in the same way. When such a positive team atmosphere is formed, my individual performance will naturally improve. I believe individual honors should never be placed above team honors. Only when the team continuously achieves honors will individual accomplishments follow. For me, at this stage, I think more about the collective than the individual.

◆Last season, Henan finished as runners-up in the FA Cup. This year, they likely still want to push for success in this competition. How can your experience help?

We will definitely strive towards this goal this year; it requires the entire team to fight together. As long as we give our all, put in the necessary effort, and have a bit of luck, I believe the final result will not let us down.

◆Henan FC and Shanghai Port have different strategic objectives. How will you adjust your mindset?

Actually, since the middle of last year when the club underwent adjustments, I was mentally prepared, knowing that I might not be prioritized for playing time or contract renewal going forward. That period was indeed not easy, and it was quite difficult emotionally. Nevertheless, in the latter half of last year, I still actively participated in training and tried my best to help my teammates perform better. It's a pity I couldn't stay in Shanghai, and I'm very grateful for Shanghai's support all along. Henan FC and Shanghai Port indeed have different strategic objectives in the league. Mentally, I have fully adjusted. Now that I'm at Henan, as a professional player, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to this team, strive to create more glory for Henan, and use my future performances to bring more joy to the Henan fans.

◆You are 32 this year. Do you think age will affect your competitiveness as a striker?

I believe Henan FC has a very professional, comprehensive, and high-level coaching staff. I am confident that with the help of the coaching staff, I can maintain good competitive form and spirit, continuing to sustain my competitiveness as a striker.