On the 4th, a press conference was held Ohara Training Ground with new signing Danilo Boza, where he answered questions from the media.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Danilo Boza. I'm 26 years old. My position is center back and side back. This year I would like to contribute to the team so that Urawa Reds can achieve their goals."

[Question and Answer Session]
Why did you decide to join the Reds?
"Above all, I wanted to play for a big club like the Reds, and the J.League has been getting a lot of attention recently, so I also wanted to play in the J.League. I also wanted to take part in tournaments in which the Reds play, so I decided on this transfer."

(Which is better to call me, Danilo or Boza?)
"Either is fine. Danilo is fine, or Boza is fine."

(When you arrived, you seemed to blend in with the crowd with a smile, but is there anything you keep in mind when entering a new place?)
"More than anything, I'm happy to be able to play for a big club like the Reds, which I think is the biggest club in Japan. And when you're happy at work, it's easier to get results, so I always want to be smiling and happy."

(What is your impression of the Reds' football? Also, how would you like to contribute to the Reds' victories and championships?)
"I want to get used to Japanese football as quickly as possible, and before coming to the Reds I have been studying not only Reds football but also Japanese football. I want to work hard so that I can quickly adapt to the style of football that coach (Maciej Skorza) aims to play."

(What is your impression of Japanese soccer?)
"Japanese soccer is improving every year. Recently, Japanese players have been moving to Europe and doing well, so I think soccer is always improving."

(I think he competed in the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship about 10 days ago, how is his condition?)
"I've been training with (EC) Juventus since the start of the year, and I played for about 15 minutes in a farewell Trial about 10 days ago. After Trial Trial didn't move for five days before coming to Japan, but today I started a full training program. I want to train hard so that I can get into good condition as quickly as possible."

Do you know any Brazilian players who played in the J-League?
"I know Jedrzejczyn from Kawasaki (Frontale), Yuri Lara from Yokohama FC and Gabriel from Omiya (Ardija). The Reds have Thiago (Santana) and (Matheus) Savio, so I'm happy to have so many Brazilian players."

"Did you talk to any players you know about joining the Reds?"
"When I heard from the Reds I contacted Savio and Thiago. I had only heard good things about Savio so it was easy for me to come."

(You said you studied the Reds and Japanese soccer, but what kind of footage did you watch?)
"I watched the ACL (AFC Champions League) final. I also watched the league Trial, but I can't remember who the opponent was. I think it's very dynamic and intense football."

(What is your selling point as a defender?)
"First of all, I want to get used to Japanese football as quickly as possible, and I want to contribute in any way I can to help my teammates. My strengths are aerial battles, both in attack and defence, as well as speed in build-up, passing and interception. I'm a centre-back, but I'm also fast."

(After joining the team, you took part in meetings and watched training matches. What do you think of Maciej 's tactics?)
"I think he's a manager who organizes things systematically. I don't think you can get to the top without organizing, but I think we're already organized, so I feel like we can get to the top. I think (Manager Maciej) plays a style of football where you have the ball, and by having the ball you create chances, which then translates into goals."

(You can play both as a centre-back and a full-back, but what kind of play do you envision as a full-back?)
"He can be considered a defensive full-back, but he can also pass the ball and is involved in the build-up play."

(Is there a way to run up the side and send in a cross?)
"I'll keep it under control and if I think there's an opportunity I'll go up, but I'm more involved in the build-up."

(You said that speed is your weapon, but your maximum speed on the data site was among the best in the world, ranking alongside European players. Are you aware of that? How confident are you in your speed?)
"I know. I think I did 36kph in a sprint in 2022 and I was the 14th fastest athlete in the world that day."

(When you were younger, were there any players you looked up to or looked up to in terms of your playing style?)
"Ever since I was little, I admired Sergio Ramos. Although he's not Brazilian, he also went from full-back to centre-back, and in that respect he's a player I look up to."

(Do you like scoring goals like him?)
"I like it and I scored four or five goals there last season."

(What aspects of Japanese culture, including Japanese food, are you interested in?)
"In terms of food, I often went to Japanese restaurants when I was in Brazil. I like sushi, so I think I will quickly get used to Japan. As for culture, I plan to research and learn various things. I would like to study in Japan, get to know the culture as quickly as possible, and live in Japan."

(What is your favorite sushi topping?)
"Salmon."

(You said that you didn't mind being called by either name, but was there a nickname that your teammates or fans/supporters called you in Brazil?)
"In Brazil, people tend to call me by my surname rather than my first name, so I'm Boza rather than Danilo."

(You haven't always played in the top league, but rather you came up through the ranks in the lower leagues through sheer ability. How do you feel about finally being able to play in Japan for the Reds?)
"I haven't always played in the top league, and I think that by working my way up from the lower ranks, step by step, I've become stronger as a person and as a player. It was a valuable experience for me, and I want to continue to use it to strengthen my resolve and work hard for the team, for victory, and to win titles."

(I think "I want to take part in a tournament in which the Reds are competing" refers to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and I think many South American players have strong feelings about world tournaments. Was the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 a motivation for you to join the Reds?)
"As you say, it's a tournament that South American players treasure, and I think it's a famous tournament. I think participating in this tournament will be an opportunity to show my own play. However, I want to prepare for the league opening on February 15, and I want to produce good results before participating in the tournament. When I participate in the tournament, I want to do my best for the team and achieve good results."

(Are you married?)
"I am."

(What is your goal for number of goals?)
"I hope to score six goals across all official matches, not just in the league."

(In the history of Urawa Reds, defenders have often scored goals, so I would like to see Boza score as well.)
"The most important thing for my position is not to concede any goals, but if I get the chance I would like to score goals from set pieces and contribute to the team's victory."

(It looks like Savio will be the set-piece taker?)
"I've been talking to him about it, so hopefully it will work out."

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]

[Urawa Reds: New signing Danilo Boza comments during interview]