A group of foreign students from the EC English School last Thursday assembled at the St Martin’s College grounds for the football segment of a summer junior programme, labelled Classic Malta.

The initiative provides young teenagers with the chance to sharpen their English language in an environment that combines lessons with a schedule of sporting activities.

A typical initiative, some might argue, where young people gather for a friendly kick-about. However, there was added value to this football stage as it was run by none other than William Machado de Oliviera, the former captain of Brazil greats Corinthians FC.

“This was my first time in Malta,” William, here to complete his studies at the same EC English School, said.

“When I retired in December I decided to move to Europe to learn English. The course they offered was six months. That gave me the chance to visit different countries.

“At first, I was based in London but then they told me I could continue with my lessons else-where. Cape Town was one of the options but South Africa was too far away. Malta was the other choice and after I read about what this country had to offer I immediately accepted to complete my studies here.

“This is a beautiful island and the climate is similar to Brazil so I enjoyed my stay. I also met my old friend Renato Conceicao but, unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to go around. Next time, I will return with my family for holidays.”

William may not be a popular figure in this part of the globe but in South America he is hailed as one of the most respected players ever.

After some stints with second division clubs in Brazil, William finally made the grade in 2006 when he joined Gremio, then coached by current Selecao coach Mano Menezes.

After two years, Menezes left for Corinthians and William followed suit. He oozed confidence in defence and was soon handed the captain’s armband.

In 2009, Corinthians won the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa Brasil without suffering defeat.

“Playing for Corinthians was a massive experience for me,” William reminisced.

“They are the biggest team in South America and followed by over 30 million fans around the world.

“Each time this team takes the field there are great expectations.

“The fans urge the players to win every match but we all know that such wish is almost im-possible to fulfil.

“Unfortunately, when things go bad the fans restort to violence. Personally, it wasn’t an ideal environment to play football as like most of the other players I also had to take all security precautions.”

At Corinthians, William had an opportunity to play with some of the best in the region.

“I will never forget having the great Ronaldo as a team-mate,” William said.

“For me he was the best player of all time. Apart from being a skilful striker, he was a great character off the field and I learnt a lot from him.

“I also played with Roberto Carlos. Difficult to find wing-backs of that type these days... he was a great fighter.”

In the Copa America just ended, Brazil were ousted from the quarter-finals by Paraguay.

William reckons the result was a huge disappointment for his compatriots.

“Brazil always play under great pressure and it’s becoming difficult for our national team to perform at the highest stage,” William said.

“The focus now shifts to the 2014 World Cup which will be played in my country.

“It will be a great opportunity but, honestly, I won’t envy the players as they will be under scrutiny right from the first match of the tournament.

“The last time the World Cup was played in Brazil was in 1950 and on that occasion we lost it to Uruguay.

“A second failure on home soil will not be accepted but deep down I fear that this national team is not strong enough to make the final.”

William left Malta last weekend. He now intends to continue his studies at the University.

“I want a break from football,” he said.

“Seventeen years is more than enough for me. I’m not consider-ing coaching either, in my country there’s too much burden on these people as well.

“My plan is to finish my studies in accounts. Then, hopefully, I will start a financial consultancy business of my own in Brazil.”