Romario at ITC Sonar Calcutta on Thursday. Pictures by Anindya Shankar Ray

Cool and casual in a grey T-shirt, denims and sneakers, Brazilian soccer hero Romario sat down for an exclusive Q&A session with t2 on Thursday. Seated on a stool near the window, in a room on the 15th floor of ITC Sonar Calcutta, the Portuguese-speaking striker was sparing with words, narrating his answers through a translator. The man who won the 1994 World Cup Golden Ball, rode our tackles with ease. Here’s how…

How has your first trip to Calcutta been?

Very tiring! We’ve been travelling, it was a long flight… 28 hours in total.

What had you heard about Calcutta before and from whom?

Calcutta is about Mother Teresa. A few people told me about Calcutta but we’ve just been travelling within the city so…. I wish I could have gone to Victoria hall (Memorial) but…

What struck you most about the city?

I’m very impressed with the traffic and the horns. How people love the horns when they’re driving!

How much of soccer did you get to see in the city? Any talent caught your eye?

The only soccer I saw was the training for the match. There were three or four boys who caught my attention but I can’t talk about them because it’s part of this reality show (on Mahuaa Bangla) I’m here for.

Any message for budding footballers?

Football today depends on motivation. My advice to budding footballers — achieve your goals and make it till the end. Never give up on your dreams.

Calcutta has a very vibrant football culture and at every World Cup, the city is divided into Brazil vs Argentina. One reason why Brazil got knocked out of this Cup, according to you?

I heard from some friends about the environment of football and how passionate about sport Calcutta is. As for Brazil, they did not deserve to be in the finals. Because of how they played, technically, and their attitude... they did not deserve to be there.

What qualities must a great striker have?

He just needs to know how to score a goal.

Who is the best striker you have seen?

The best that I have seen is me!

Who is the best striker today?

There’s no attacker or forward who we can say is a phenom (phenomenon)... maybe Ronaldo.

The best defender you have faced? And the best defender today?

(Franco) Baresi. And (today) Lucio.

Your most memorable moment as a footballer?

The 1994 Fifa World Cup.

If you weren’t a footballer you would be...

I can’t even imagine!

At 44, you think the best age to be is…

Right now. I believe the best moment is today.

Where do you see yourself in five years? As coach of Brazil?

It’s almost impossible to be a coach, I will never take on that role. I will be devoted to politics.