Exclusive interview with carlos valderrama

This colourful and talented midfielder has been regarded as one of the very best in his position in South America over the past decade or so. Carlos Valderrama made his debut for Colombia in October 1985 losing 3-0 to Paraguay, but established himself soon and won the captaincy at an early age.

He started playing for first division Union Magdalena in 1981. He also played for Millionarios and Deportivo Cali before he signed for Montpellier in 1988, a club he won a French Cup championship with two years later. He also played for Spain’s Valladolid before he returned home to his native Colombia to play for Atelitico Junior where he also won two league championships. Known as “El Pibe” (the kid), Valderrama is easy recognisable with his big curly blonde hair and all his jewelry. He was an accurate passer of the ball and a playmaker of finest caliber. He is also one of very few players to have captained his country in three World Cups.

His biggest WC moment was when he dribbled past several players and delivered a pinpoint pass to Rincon who scored the equaliser three minutes into injury time against eventual winners West Germany in 1990. That goal meant Colombia qualified to the second round. He was the only Colombian to feature in Pele’s 125 Top Living Football Players list in March 2004. Dhruv Painuly, an editorial consultant with THT, caught up with Valderrama in Frankfurt.

THT: We know you have been busy but have you been catching up some action in Germany?

CV: Yes I came here couple of days back and just saw this match between Argentina and Netherlands. It is a nice feeling to be here in Germany and great meeting with old friend Diego Maradona.

THT: Your reactions on the Argentina and Netherlands match?

CV: It was a competitive match though no goals were scored. I was particularly impressed by Rique-lme and of course Lionel Messi. This kid is quick, he hassles the defenders and what I have seen of him in Barcelona he plays deep too, which is an asset for the team. Argentina should have won the match and they wasted lot of chances.

THT: Any other players who have caught your eye in this World Cup?

CV: Lot of players actually. Players like Deco, Miroslav Klose, and Fernando Torres all have played well and scored too, which is a great thing. Wayne Rooney has looked explosive on the field and if England does well it will be due to him.

THT: What do you think about the media bashing of Ronaldo? Is it justified?

CV: See the World Cup is the biggest stage you can get to play football. There are so much of expectations and there are lot of things. You have press people from different countries who play psychological games with their rivals. So its just part of that and maybe Ronaldo is overweight too but he has always been like this and to get after him is unfair.

THT: We know you are in a hurry, one last question. Who do you think will lift the Cup in Berlin?

CV: As I have said earlier also, it has been a very open World Cup and results have gone as per the rankings and reputations. I believe all teams stand an equally good chance. Germany: as they are the hosts, Argentina who have really played well, Brazil too but they have not been tested yet and of course Spain who have been good too in their outings. In all, anybody can take the Cup tho-ugh I would love to see the South Americans doing so.