Japan will always be special for Hulk
Saitama: A decade after he left the J.League, Hulk is returning to Japan intent on ending the country’s hope of a first AFC Champions League winner since 2008.
The Brazilian forward, who leads the attack for China’s Shanghai SIPG, will be keen to add to his tournament-leading nine goals when his side face Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.
Hulk scored in the first leg last month that was drawn 1-1 in Shanghai but, it’s fair to say there may be mixed feelings this time round for the powerful striker, who came to these shores at the very early stages of his celebrated career.
“I went to Japan when I was very young – just 18 years old,” recalls the now 31-year-old.
“The memories I have are not just from football but from life itself in Japan.
“So, Japan will always be in my heart and I have some great memories from my time here.”
And, ominously for Shanghai’s hosts on Wednesday, Hulk is looking to finish exactly where he left off.
“As far as I remember, the last match I played in Japan was for Tokyo Verdy against Urawa, and I scored in that match!”
The former Porto and Zenit St Petersburg star has been in explosive form in his second AFC Champions League campaign and has scored in every game he has appeared so far.
However, Hulk insists, there has been no magic formula for his success this year.
“There is no secret - every time I go onto the pitch I try to do my best and give my all to the team,” he said.
“Of course it’s been great; you know I’ve scored nine goals in nine matches, and not only scoring but also providing assists for my teammates.
“But I still want to play another three AFC Champions League matches this year so hopefully I can score even more goals.”
No secret to his footballing skills and, apparently, no secret fitness regime for his much-discussed physique that has so overwhelmed defences in Asia this year.
“It’s funny because a lot of people mention this to me but they get very surprised when I tell them that actually I don’t like to go to the gym,” Hulk admitted.
“In fact, I have no idea how much weight I can bench-press because I never do that in the gym.
“I think I have this kind of body structure and strength because when I was a little kid I worked with my father in the meat market and used to have to carry a lot of meat around every day, so most likely that’s where my strength comes from - there is no gym routine.
“Something I will always remember for my whole life is working in that meat market and just getting blood all over me.
“It’s funny, I would go and see my friends and they would all be saying, ‘Oh God what happened?’ because I was covered in blood.”
Urawa and their fans will be hoping it is again Hulk and not them left bloodied at the conclusion of Wednesday's second leg.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com
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