WHAT DOES FOOTBALL START FROM?

Carlos Alberto Torres - the first foreigner hired to coach the Azerbaijani national team. He is a former captain of the Brazilian national team, and he is a world champion. He left the Azerbaijani national team when the Polish team defeated Azerbaijan 3:0. Torres could not accept the home defeat, he argued with the referee and resigned two days later. He has had no contact with the Azerbaijani media over the past 2 years. Not because he did not want to. There was simply no reason to. We decided to interview him without a reason. Our call surprised and pleased the famous Brazilian:

- Hello, Carlos Alberto. This is from Baku. Do you still remember Azerbaijan?

- Baku? How? To be honest, this is a surprise. I thought I had been forgotten. I am very happy that you called me.

- How are you doing? As far as we know, you are not working?

- Brazil will be hosting the World Cup in 2014. Very important organizational issues are underway now. I'm directly involved in that, helping the organizing committee. I have frequent meetings with my friend Pele and we are trying to help solve the problems that emerge.

- What memories do you have of Azerbaijan?

- You have a beautiful country. People are hospitable and kind. When I was working in Azerbaijan, I was always aware of the friendly approach. That's why I have very warm memories of your country.

- Do you remember the national team players?

- To be honest, I do not remember their names. But I do remember a young guy who played very well as a defender in my time (Rashad Sadikhov - author's note). I do remember a blonde half-back playmaker (Anatoliy Panomarev - author's note). But, serious changes have probably happened in the team during this period.

- Berti Vogts now leads the team. The team has only 3 or 4 foreign players. In the latest round of qualifiers the Azerbaijani national team defeated Liechtenstein 2:0 and drew with Russia 1:1.

- I know that Berti Vogts leads the team. That means his contract has been extended. I heard about the draw with Russia. The Azerbaijani national team always performs better at home. The local fans love football and that makes a difference at home games.

- In your opinion, what should be focused on to develop football?

- Football starts with the stadium. I do not know the current situation, but in my time the problem of stadiums was acute in Azerbaijan. Some 4 or 5 clubs used to share one pitch for championship games. There was only one good stadium in the capital and the national team used it (the Bahramov stadium). In a word, the pitches had a busy schedule and could not stand up to it. Therefore, one should start with the stadiums. In Brazil, every block of flats has a stadium. There are good conditions for children's football. I am sure the same will happen in Azerbaijan in the near future. Great attention is paid to sport in your country. 

- We are sure that you are keeping up with world football. Who is the world's best player: Kaka, Ronaldo or Messi? 

- That's a difficult question. Kaka was playing better in Milan. Of course in Real Madrid he is playing at a completely different level. But you cannot say he is a weak player. Ronaldo made a better impression last season. It is not necessary to say anything about Messi. He is like Barcelona's goal machine, scoring nice goals in La Liga. Some players perform well in one game but are weak in another. But Messi has been showing magnificent form lately. I think for sure his name will be among those nominated to play in World Cup 2010. 

- In many European countries, football clubs recruit many foreigners. In Azerbaijan, there is no quota on their recruitment.  Is this good practice?

- It is a serious problem. This is why FIFA and UEFA intend to establish control over the recruitment of foreigners. You can hardly find a local footballer in clubs such as Barcelona or Chelsea. Every club should have its own children's academy. If children are taught the secrets of football, then later they can become regular players. Spanish clubs have practically no Spaniards and British clubs practically no British players. Local players are being forgotten. A quota system would be desirable for Azerbaijan. But local players have to put up a good performance.

National teams should be comprised of local football players. 

- World Cup 2010 will be held in June. What is your favourite team? 

- Naturally I will name my country's team. Brazil are the favourites in any tournament. But our national team has not been playing very well lately. As for the   World Cup, we pin our hopes on our footballers. But one should not forget the UK team. Fabio Capello has built a good team. I am sure England will reach the semi-final. There are also Italy, Spain and France to reckon with. It will be a very interesting World Cup. But I will support Brazil. 

-  And finally, we would like to hear your wishes for Azerbaijani football players and fans.

- My thanks to everyone. Give my regards to all Azerbaijan. I wish you success. May your team make you happy with its victories.