[#32] Alexander Doni Thread:

[D-Kin]

Doni wants to extend his Roma contract which currently has two years to run. It seems like he's really enjoying life in Rome.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Forza_Roma]

“He is doing well and manages to remain focused during the entire match. He is feeling strong and appreciated by his teammates and the Coach,” added his representative.

His only flaw would be on set pieces. At times from free kicks or corners, he can be flat footed. But from long range he's great. No complaints! Glad he will be resigning

[bludhaven]

hes a great option great apart from set pieces, running off the ball, one on one hes a bit off, but still effective, great rushing.

Happy he can stay!

[D-Kin]

Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni insists he does not miss his Brazilian homeland. “It’s much nicer living in Italy, both on and off the field.”

Many South Americans who play in Europe suffer from ‘Saudade’ – missing the motherland – most famously with Edmundo having it written into his Fiorentina contract that he needed time off to attend the Rio carnival.

“I love my country, but it is not easy to live there,” notes the shot-stopper. “For a few years now there has been the nightmare of kidnappings. I am a calm man and want a relaxed life. I took my whole family with me to Rome, including my parents.”

Doni’s next opponents know all too well the problems of being a Brazilian star, as Milan striker Ricardo Oliveira only recently had his sister released from captivity.

The Giallorossi man arrived with very little fanfare, but made a sensational debut in the Rome derby on October 23, 2005.

“I arrived in Italy and for a few months was living in a strange dream-like state. I didn’t speak Italian, had no experience of Europe other than a Corinthians friendly trip to Moscow.

“Not just that, I also discovered that football works in a very different way here. The training sessions are effectively match simulations. In Brazil it’s a much lighter workload,” explained Alexander Marangon Doniebe.

“The technique is also another issue. In Brazil goalkeepers trap the ball a certain way, whereas at Roma I have to move my hands differently. Also back home the pitch is dry and the grass long, but in Italy it’s always wet before the game. This makes the ball skid on the grass and reach the net much quicker.”

This has given Doni a new appreciation for the Serie A goalkeepers – including himself.

“Who are the best? In terms of the Italians Gianluigi Buffon and Angelo Peruzzi are clearly a step above the rest. There is also Julio Cesar at Inter, Nelson Dida for Milan, Sebastien Frey at Fiorentina and of course Doni at Roma.”

Despite impressing in Serie A, the Stadio Olimpico star did not receive a call from Selecao boss Carlos Dunga.

“I thought that this time I’d be in the squad for Brazil’s two friendlies in Sweden, but instead he picked the third choice goalkeeper at Corinthians. I talked it through with my wife Camila and said I’d just have to deal with it. From now on I am focusing only on Roma.”

The Brazilian does have some blood ties to the peninsula, which enabled him to get an EC passport.

“I had a grandmother from Mantova and got the Italian passport thanks to her. That link was my fortune, as there are thousands of scouts in South America and the first thing they ask is about your passport. It’s a lot easier to find a club with that in your favour.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Nice interview, it's clear he wants to stay with Roma.

[Forza_Roma]

Very well rounded guy. He seems very relaxed and doesn't take things for granted. He seems disappointed not getting the call to Brazil in the friendlies. But his time will come. He's 28 yrs old...still has lots of time.

[dukeofdavinci]

wow a clause in contract just to attend a carnival.i wonder if i can have contract like that with my work.

holidays when ever i have an important events to go to

[Forza_Roma]

i took my days off when Italy played the WC...no chance in hell i was going to miss a single minute of action.

[bludhaven]

i took my days off when Italy played the WC...no chance in hell i was going to miss a single minute of action.

You, and the rest of the Italian fans

[dukeofdavinci]

You, and the rest of the Italian fans

right on my man.the whole nation was glued to the telly

[Diabolico]

Nice interview, and the fact that he wants to renew is good news for Roma! Doni's great; he can be a little uneven now and then, but then he makes a spectacular save that totally makes up for it. I really like him, in my opinion he's very underrated... I don't know if I'd rate him above Julio Cesar, but he's better than Helton (who was starting for the Brazil NT not long ago).

[bludhaven]

I don't know if I'd rate him above Julio Cesar

I know i would, compare their stats...or when they play similar teams in the CL

[bludhaven]

Look at the game versus Valencia

[bludhaven]

Although thats a little vague for me to say...

Im just saying that the partnership of Doni, Mexes, Chivu is beter than Inter's equivalent

[D-Kin]

Personally I'd take Doni over Julio Cesar, both are good keepers though.