Ronald | To have this chance to test myself is a dream, I want to work to improve

Swansea City winger Ronald is eager to continue to learn and improve next season as he fulfils his dream of playing in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

The Brazilian wide man joined the Swans in January and, while he acknowledges he still has a lot to learn, he showed plenty of raw promise, most notably in scoring a brace against Sunderland in February.

The 22-year-old first started playing football a decade ago in the projects he grew up in near Corumba, situated in the centre-west region of Brazil and where he recently returned to coach youngsters in the municipality.

Moving to south Wales has been a big adjustment for the forward, but he feels he has settled well, and wants to make further strides under head coach Luke Williams.

“I really want to play well. It is a dream to play here, and I am looking to develop at the club. I am really happy to have this opportunity,” he said.

“It was always a dream to play in Europe. Ever since I was a child, I grew up seeing the European players and also Brazilian players coming to Europe because there were not a huge number of them. I always wanted to be one of them. 

“Now I have that chance and I want to work and to fight.

“My family shared that dream with me, it was a dream for them too, because when you are Brazilian you have to be tough, and I really want the best for my family.

“I've always had that within me.”

Ronald’s journey to SA1 started 5,000 miles away and, like any number of youngsters in Brazil, he grew up with a love for the beautiful game.

However, he was nearly a teenager by the time he first came to play organised football with a grassroots club side.

He first turned professional in his late teens, and has had a whirlwind few years that have already taken in spells in the Brazilian and Portuguese top-flights.

“I started playing football aged 11 or 12 the project in the city I am from. Corumba in the south-west of Brazil, very close to the border with Paraguay,” he continued.

“Before that I was just playing for fun in the street with my friends. 

“We would go to other cities to play other teams. Then, when I was 17 or 18, I got a call about going to play professionally for Corumbaense.

“After that I went to Atletico Goianiense. Then I was sold to Gremio Anapolis. From there I went back to Goianiense to play in the top division, and on to Guarani in Sao Paolo for half a season.

“Then the opportunity came to go to Portugal with Estrela da Amadora. 

“I played in the top division, Serie A, for a year and then the chance came to come to Swansea.”

Following his January arrival Ronald went on to make 18 Championship appearances, and scored three goals for the Swans – including that brace in the win at Sunderland.

He singles out the victory at the Stadium of Light and the south Wales derby triumph over Cardiff City as being among his favourite moments so far.

“It was really special to score against Sunderland, not just one but two goals in one match,” he said.

“It was a really important game  for me, but also for the other players and the fans.

“I want to score more goals and get more assists.

“It’s important in my position.

 “I also had the experience of the first time I played in a derby, and it was incredible. The atmosphere in the stadium was really good.

“The players were telling me before about the game. To win was fantastic.

“Having the support of the fans gave me confidence on the pitch.”

Ronald has returned to his homeland during the off-season to see his family – including mother Laura – and is looking forward to having her visit Swansea when he returns for pre-season training later in the summer.

While some downtime will be welcome after a busy period in his life, Ronald is clear on what he wants next season under the guidance of Swans boss Williams.

“The manager been incredible with me. He gives me time and I want to do the best I can for him on the pitch, and off it too. He's just been really great with me,” adds Ronald.

“I really hope we do well next season. Not just for the players, but also for the fans. I really appreciate the support from them and it would be fantastic to make them happy. 

“We need to get as many points as we can, and I hope we can make a good start.”