During his time travelling the world and discovering diverse cultures, former Brazil internationalGilberto Silva always found a way to stave off homesickness. Like any good Mineiro (native of Minas Gerais State) he found succour in home-cooked food and music from the region, while frequently drawing on his memories of a childhood in Lagoa da Prata and adolescence in Belo Horizonte during the nine years he spent playing in Europe (2002-2011).
Now back home and once again playing for Atletico Mineiro, where he first shot to international fame, the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ winner is discovering new delights in the state capital, such as its recently renovated Estadio Mineirao. Now, in the first of a series of interviews aimed at showcasing the host cities of the next FIFA Confederations Cup and FIFA World Cup, FIFA.com chatted with the 36-year-old defensive midfielder about life in Belo Horizonte, its tourism, gastronomy, culture and, of course, its football.
FIFA.com: Has your recent return finally cured your longing for Minas Gerais, and what did you miss most during your time away?
Gilberto Silva: Well it’s good to be here. The things I missed most were my family, friends and those closest to me - people I’d always had around me and who I'd lost contact with. That’s the hardest thing about living abroad; everything else you can get used to if put your mind to it. However, missing your family is not so easy to resolve.
Didn’t you miss the food? After all, that’s very important for a Mineiro…
I did yes but that wasn’t a problem. When I first moved to London it was more complicated, as I didn’t speak English and I was staying in a hotel. The meals [while on club duty] were carefully controlled and lacked a bit of seasoning and flavour, but sometimes I managed to have a word with a Spanish or Portuguese-speaking waiter, who’d bring me rice with beef or eggs (laughs). Later when I moved into my own house I began to prepare my own food more, and I also had a cook. I prefer eating home-cooked food than going out to a restaurant. The taste is different as well. I’m someone who really likes to be at home with family, so I think that’s also part of it.
And what would be your favourite dish from the local cuisine?
There are loads (laughs). I adore feijao tropeiro (type of bean casserole). And on Sundays, whenever possible, I’d eat chicken with okra and polenta (a cornmeal pudding). That’s good Mineiro food and something I’d recommend to anyone.