“I don’t sell horse meat”: Robson about the butcher shop, Spartak’s victories, the desire to see ex-partners and Castro’s wisdom

Are you still selling meat?

Everything is fine with the store.

He continues to work.

Under no circumstances should you stop.

During the coronavirus pandemic, there were some difficulties, but in general everything is fine.

After he finished his career, a completely different life began.

At first I went into the agency business, but soon I realized that this was not my thing and football should be left aside.

Sometimes I give friendly advice, but I focus on selling meat.

This does not upset, just tuned to a completely different wave.

- Many people probably joke that it was no coincidence that you started such a business after playing for the “meat” Spartak.

- It's a funny coincidence, but I only found out that the team was called that when I arrived in Moscow.

On the other hand, it keeps me connected with the club.

But don't worry, we don't sell horsemeat.

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- Continuing the gastronomic theme, do you remember the famous borscht at the base in Tarasovka?

- You hit the nail on the head.

Borscht, or, as it is called in Brazil, beetroot soup, I really liked it.

Now I enjoy eating it too.

It seems to me that it is important for any legionnaire who comes to a new country to comprehend its culture.

I succeeded.

My only regret is that now I can’t speak Russian, because I forgot it.

At the same time, I played both in France and Japan, but there was no desire to learn these languages.

He spoke Russian with great pleasure.

When I came here, I was in a completely different world.

Now everything is clear to me.

— Do your children play football?

- My son Jonathan has no interest in him, although he used to play at the amateur level.

I know it's strange for a Brazilian not to have a passion for the ball, but that's the way it is.

I, in turn, fully respect his choice.

Maybe I'm a little offended, but the child has his own interests.

Did the invitation to celebrate the centenary of the club take you by surprise?

“It really came as a surprise—and a very pleasant surprise.

I knew that Spartak was celebrating its anniversary.

To receive an invitation to such an event is a great honor.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management for remembering my name.

I follow the team and, if possible, try to watch, if not the games, then at least their reviews.

Luckily, the internet makes this possible.

- Isn't it surprising that the fans retained warm feelings for you even long after you left?

- Over the few years that I played in Russia, I did everything possible to be remembered.

It's not so much about goals, but about the wonderful matches that we played with partners both in the Russian championship and in European competition.

Now I can safely say: I spent the best years of my career at Spartak.

It was a golden time and a super team, where everyone stood up for each other like a mountain.

At the same time, the level of expectations was extremely high.

It was not only management that demanded full dedication from the players.

Experienced guys also constantly talked about this to young people.

I repeat: this is a truly golden time.

It was in Russia that I learned a lot.

— Were you dissuaded from going to Moscow?

“It didn't become a big problem, because politics does not arouse any interest in me.

- Have you seen the video from the final of the Russian Cup in Luzhniki, where 50 thousand red and white fans sang after the triumph with the singer MakSim?

- I watched the highlights of the decisive match against Dynamo.

I saw that the stadium was filled to capacity.

Even though the blue and white equalized the score at the beginning of the second half, I did not lose hope that Spartak would still win.

• Louis Robson

• © FC Spartak

- For you, unlike the new generation of red-and-whites, Luzhniki is a well-known stadium.

Which match played here is most memorable?

- There are two of them.

In 1998 we beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League here.

And two years later, Arsenal were defeated at the Grand Sports Arena - 4: 1.

I will never forget these two meetings.

Both the great atmosphere and the games themselves will always be remembered.

Madrid, for example, at the time of the confrontation with Spartak were the current winners of the Champions League.

And the match with the Londoners took place in very severe frost.

It was really cold.

But when we went out onto the lawn and saw how many people came, my heart instantly warmed up.

And in the championship they showed such football that the rivals first of all tried to interfere with us.

I remember the derby with CSKA.

CSKA tried to strangle us with all legal and illegal methods.

But we were ready for it.

— Do you know that your number 24 is currently worn by Quincy Promes?

- It is a great honor for me that he went to such a strong athlete.

And of course, I will keep his T-shirt for my home collection.

But in general, it is surprising that in Spartak this number is often taken by legionnaires.

It can be called a good tradition.

Do you want to return to the club?

- Ready to take some position in Spartak and help him.

But for this, an appropriate proposal must be received.

Plus, it takes time to adapt.

Still, this is a completely different area, and I'm not sure that everything will turn out easily.

I want to not just take up space, but to be useful.

But I think I can do it, even while working at home.

— Did you manage to visit the Otkritie Arena?

- I'm going to visit her on Sunday.

Even if I came here for a short time, I want to meet with as many former partners as possible.

I dream of seeing many, gathering at one table and remembering the past.

— Is there a place in Moscow where you would like to visit?

— I lived here for quite a long time, but I can’t name any specific places.

Moscow has changed a lot.

I want to be in different parts of the city.

- If you had the opportunity to return to the 2000s and change something, would you agree?

- You know, as Fidel Castro said: "History cannot be changed, because it has already been lived."

I wrote my story in Russia, and other players wrote their own.

That is why I am here now and I am proud that Spartak remains a part of my heart.

Happy to represent him so far.

- A few years ago you said that the Brazilian national team without Neymar is an ordinary team.

Have you changed your mind now?

- I would say that with him she shows one football, and without him - another.

Neymar is missed not only by the national team, but also by any club whose colors he defends.

In the country they love him very much and understand that a lot depends on him.

In the run-up to the World Cup, we all believe that Neymar will take Brazil as high as possible.

I am Brazilian, and therefore I have to root and worry about the team.

• Louis Robson

• © FC Spartak