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Making history and facing Neymar - Lingard on life in Brazil
TL;DR
Jesse Lingard has become the first Englishman to play in Brazil's top flight, currently with Corinthians. He recently scored his first goal in the Copa do Brasil.
Key points
- Jesse Lingard is the first Englishman in Brazil's top flight
- He plays for Corinthians
- Lingard scored his first goal in the Copa do Brasil
- His signing was met with surprise by local pundits
Mentioned in this story
Jesse LingardCorinthians
Copa do Brasil
Figure caption,
Lingard backs Carrick for Man Utd job
Jesse Lingard is making history.
The first Englishman to play in Brazil's top flight, Lingard is enjoying his early days as a Corinthians player and last week scored his first goal in the Copa do Brasil.
There was some surprise when the move was announced, with local pundit Mauro Cezar Pereira describing it as a "strange kind of signing".
But former Manchester United forward Lingard, who joined Corinthians after leaving FC Seoul, is settling in well.
"It's still high-level football," he says. "I think I can play at a high level. For me, it was just about the competition - how big the club is here, how big the league is.
"I had offers on the table, but I still test myself out."
And Lingard's motivation is clear when he says: "I've come here to lift a trophy."
In his first major interview since moving to Brazil, the 33-year-old sat down with the BBC to reflect on his new life, Manchester United and coming up against Neymar.
Lingard on life in Brazil
Lingard's former United team-mate Memphis Depay was among those who convinced him to join Corinthians - and the Dutchman has since helped him settle in.
Lingard made his Corinthians debut against Fluminense at the world-famous Maracana in Rio earlier this month.
It was, he says, "amazing" to be back on the pitch after months without playing and spells of having to train alone.
But within a week manager Dorival Junior had been sacked after an eight-match winless run left them in the relegation zone.
Former Brazil interim coach Fernando Diniz has come in, and the team have since won both their Libertadores games.
Lingard has already felt the intensity of the Corinthians fanbase up close, with supporters turning up at the club's training ground.
"I'd never experienced it before," he says. "Fans going into the training ground... speaking to us. You see how passionate they are for us to do well and win. It only gives us more reason to win on a matchday.
"When you fall short, of course, you're going to get the scrutiny."
One particular challenge has been the language.
Lingard had a translator at FC Seoul, but is navigating life in Brazil without one.
"Some players speak a little bit of English and do translate a little bit," he says.
"But I want to pick up Portuguese. The Korean language was very difficult. I picked up a few words, but I feel like here I could actually learn the language."
Q&A
Who is the first Englishman to play in Brazil's top flight?
Jesse Lingard is the first Englishman to play in Brazil's top flight.
What team is Jesse Lingard currently playing for in Brazil?
Jesse Lingard is currently playing for Corinthians in Brazil.
When did Jesse Lingard score his first goal in Brazil?
Jesse Lingard scored his first goal in the Copa do Brasil last week.
What was the reaction to Lingard's signing in Brazil?
Local pundit Mauro Cezar Pereira described Lingard's signing as a 'strange kind of signing.'
