This is the first World Cup in your career, at the age of 35. You must feel immense happiness?
Yes, that's it. A pure happiness, which comes from deep inside you. But I also want to make it very clear that it's not just my moment. A lot of people have contributed so that this could happen. But it's an enormous happiness to be able to live in this moment.
Canada is not a usual team to see in the World Cup finals. Do you think it could be a starting point for more success?
I believe so. I felt all of that in the last qualification, the way the country came together and transformed around football. It's the second World Cup in Canada's history, after 1986, and now it will be two in a row. After Qatar we will host the next World Cup, with the United States and Mexico.
This can change the country forever. It is very rewarding to be part of this growth and this process. It is fantastic to see the quality with which Canada is presenting football today. We could be seeing the start of something really exciting for our country.
Canada are in Group F with Belgium, Croatia and Morocco. Is that a tough draw?
Yes. But I remember watching the draw and there was no point in expecting weaknesses here or there. There are really powerful teams, our group has two very strong teams, one that has been to the finals and another in the top three in the world. But it's a World Cup, that's the reality. I'm super happy, one way or another. Canada is not going to the World Cup just to enjoy it or to participate. We will want to have a say.
We have to respect and know the difficulties but we are here for a reason. I'm happy, knowing that we have a very big responsibility, but I feel Canada's team has more and more of a winning mentality and attitude. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do at the World Cup.
"We should not fear the moment but accept responsibility"
Your first game is against Belgium. It's important to start well, there's not much margin for error in World Cups...
I'm not going to lie, I don't have any experience in World Cups, but I know that in tournaments the start is fundamental, even more so in a World Cup, which doesn't give you a second chance.
Starting well is important, knowing the power of Belgium. But it was hard work getting here, we mustn't fear the moment but accept the responsibility. If we can start with a win it would be fantastic and that's what we'll try to do.
This is a different World Cup, because of when it takes place and because it is in a country with its own issues. Does that affect the players or does being in a competition like this overcome all those issues?
I'm sure that the other teams have more experience in other World Cups than us. For everyone it will be a big novelty but for us it's a novelty in every way, not only in the time of the year or the organising country.
But I think there are benefits to it. At the end of the season it's more normal for the players to arrive worn out and in the middle of the season we'll be able to see the athletes in a different way.
It's a novelty, but I believe that the will and the importance of the moment will overcome all the difficulties that may arise, and the novelties may even create some unknowns. But it's still a World Cup and that simple fact overcomes everything.
In the possible outcomes of the competition there is a possibility of Canada facing Portugal. Is that something you would like?
Of course, it will be a sign that we had passed our group. And if it's at an advanced stage, even better. Canada and Portugal are my countries, my family's countries. I'm going to defend Canada with all my strength but I also want to see Portugal succeed. It would be a special moment, they are two countries that mean a lot to me, as well as for my family.
Sebastian Coates told Flashscore that in a World Cup there are no favourites. Raphinha told Flashscore that he believes in Brazil's title but that Portugal also has possibilities. Do you think it is possible to see Portugal lift the trophy after the final?
Of course it is. If we look at the quality around our - and I say our because it's the country I live in, my home - national team, it's full of talent that plays at the best clubs in the world. Portugal may not be entering the World Cup at the best moment but when it starts it will click. I don't want to say that Portugal are favourites but I wouldn't be surprised if they go very far.
They were European champions not long ago and Portugal is always Portugal.
There are no favourites, as Coates said, because everyone turns up for a World Cup. It's a competition unlike any other, everyone has the right to dream and I feel that with Canada's team. We deserve that right, we also want to work for the success that I know is possible.
At these times any player participating in the World Cup has ambitions, dreams about certain situations. Have you ever dreamt of playing in a World Cup final and scoring a goal?
Dreaming is good for you - I'm no different to the other players. We all always want more, to make our dreams grow. I'm also aware of the moment, it's important we take all of this on a day-by-day basis. But of course I visualise it and dream of Canada's success. And if I can help, even better. You have to work hard for success to come. We take on that responsibility, dreaming is good for you, but you also have to work hard. We have to put the two together.
What message do you want to leave to the Canadian readers of Flashscore, to the thousands of fans from your country who also speak Portuguese?
First of all, a word of thanks for all the support you've given, all the energy you've created during the qualifying phase. This is really moving the country, it's fantastic and beautiful to see.
I only ask that we continue like this, only together, with this harmony, is that success closer. We want Canada to be proud of us and we all pull together. It's not just the 11 or the 26, there are millions of us all rooting for the same thing, and when we put all that energy together we are stronger.
