LEILA JOINS FLAMENGO, TO HER FATHER'S DISMAY

The rivalry between Flamengo and Vasco can provoke conflicts in the Barros family . One of the muses of the national volleyball, attacker Leila got right on your Wednesday transfer to the Flamengo. Who didn't like of the history was Mr. Francisco, the attacker's father and fan of Vasco. Leila, who disputed last season's Superliga for the disbanded Leites Nestle team, arrives at Rio de Janeiro in November and will be there in the Flamengo for ten months. Of Belo Horizonte, where she rests with the family, Leila talked on the phone to the Lance !

Q:Your family is every vascaína. How did they react to your transfer to the Flamengo?

Leila: My father didn't like it. My mother says that he has to change his shirt, because the Flamengo gave me the chance to continue playing in Brazil. I am not a fanatic for soccer, but I admit that I am partial to Vasco. Now the professionalism will speak higher and I promise to honor the shirt of the Flamengo.

Q:You said that the Flamengo gave you an opportunity to continue in Brazil. Did other clubs offer you slots?

L: I was probed by clubs of Italy, but I wanted to continue here. I was already desperate with the possibility of having to leave Brazil, then the offer from Flamengo came. They were my light at the end of the tunnel.

Q: And how is your expectation in relation to the new club?

L: I will play for the largest fan of Brazil and that is already a great incentive. The Flamengo is making a great work to recover the tradition in the volleyball. But I know that the fan will demand a lot, mainly of me.

Q: And what do you are finding of to change Belo Horizonte for Rio de Janeiro?

L: Rio has an astral one very good. In two years in the Selection I already trained several times in Rio, but I know little of the city. I want to visit the Pedra da Gávea and Cristo Redentor.

Q: The Flamengo also brought Isabel, who'll debut as a trainer.

L: Isabel was an athlete and she knows our problems closely. I think she will prove to be a surprise in her new position.

Q: in spite of being a top athlete, you were unemployed with the end of the Leites Nestle. How was that phase?

L: It was very difficult. Our country is in a very difficult situation and that reflects in the sport. Here the athletes don't have stability. In spite of having faced a similar situation in 96, I was with my head in screw.

Q: Your beauty is very exalted. Do you intend to be the new muse of Rio ?

L: I don't think a lot about that, I only want to be well it accepts. I have an exotic beauty, I don't make the style " fantastic woman ". I Think the people likes my charisma and my vibrancy.

Q: And how is your relationship with the fans?

L: It is a change of incredible energy. They treat me as a "pop star". A Philippine fan got to say that I was the woman of his life (laughs).