Adelaide United’s new Brazilian signing, Anselmo de Moraes, has wasted no time endearing himself to the Reds faithful – not just with his words, but with the courage it took to deliver them in English, a language he is still learning.
The 36-year-old midfielder faced the media for the first time since arriving in Adelaide, and while he apologised more than once for his English, his sincerity, effort, and warm personality shone through.
“I’m very happy to be here in this club,” Anselmo said. “I hope to give my best inside the field for the fans and for the team. That is my job.”
Throughout the conversation with Channel Ten’s Max Burrford and United Media, Anselmo spoke openly about his excitement for the new challenge ahead. He described himself as a hard-working, physical midfielder who will “give everything on the field for the club, teammates and fans.”
Asked about his first impressions of Adelaide, he smiled and said he had already been struck by the “beautiful city, the beaches, the buildings, the roads.”
His reunion with Craig Goodwin – a teammate from their time at Al-Wehda in Saudi Arabia – was key in his arrival in Adelaide. “Craig is a good person and a great good player. I’m very happy to play with him again here in Adelaide.”
Anselmo revealed his shirt number, 87, holds a special meaning, connected to his wife’s birth year and his belief in the luck of the number seven.
While he awaits the arrival of his family from Brazil, he acknowledged it is always difficult to be away from loved ones, but emphasised that “this is football, it’s normal,” and that he is already focused on contributing to Adelaide United’s ambitions this season.
Perhaps the most striking part of the interview was not the words themselves, but the way Anselmo tackled the challenge of speaking them. For a player whose first language is Portuguese, conducting his very first interview in English showed character and courage.
Even when pausing to apologise – “Sorry, my English is not very good” – his effort and honesty connected instantly with those listening.
It’s clear that Adelaide United fans have not just gained a midfielder of quality and experience, but also a man of humility, warmth, and determination to belong.
