<div>
<p>Exclusive Interview with Fabinho</p>
<div>
<p>
<img alt="Fabinho: Discussing his return to Brazil, admiration for Jardim, and how Flamengo might perform against European teams" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/fabinho-1589452334-38561.jpg" title="Fabinho: Return to Brazil, praise for Jardim and how Flamengo would fare against European teams"></img>
</p>
<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
</div>
<p>Throughout a career that has seen many go years without significant silverware, Fabinho stands out. As a Ligue 1 champion with Monaco, Premier League champion with Liverpool, and now a Saudi Pro League champion with Al Ittihad, Fabinho has proven to have a touch for success, particularly with teams that hadn't tasted league victory in a long time. In an exclusive interview with <em>Transfermarkt</em>, the Al Ittihad midfielder reflects on his impressive collection of trophies, his fondness for Liverpool, the potential of returning to Brazil, and offers words of respect for Jürgen Klopp.</p>
<br>
<p>"There's no secret to becoming a champion; it's simply about playing alongside great players, which I've been fortunate to have at Monaco, Liverpool, and now at Al Ittihad," Fabinho shared with <em>Transfermarkt's</em> Brazilian reporter, Thiago Rabelo. "Success is about team chemistry, hard work, and having players with a winning mentality. Right now, we've got champions like Benzema, who has grown tired of winning at Real Madrid, and Kanté, who has achieved everything possible. I've got my own titles, and Danilo has won extensively in Portugal and France. That collective experience is invaluable when facing tough moments where victory is essential."</p>
<br>
<h2>Achievement and Klopp's Influence</h2>
<br>
<p>Fabinho played a key role in helping Liverpool end their 30-year pursuit of the Premier League title, with their last championship predating their 2019/2020 victory back to the 1989/90 season. His contribution was equally crucial in Monaco's Ligue 1 triumph after a 17-year drought. As his contract with Al Ittihad runs until June 2026, Fabinho is focused on the present but acknowledges that his reputation as a drought-breaker could attract new opportunities next season. "It could be a coincidence that I've ended droughts, but hard work plays a huge part too," he reflects. "Discussions about my future will happen during the season with my agent and the club. Currently, I'm very content at Al Ittihad, and time flies quickly. For now, I’m in no rush to make any decisions; we’ll see what unfolds."</p>
<br>
<p>When discussing his knack for ending title droughts, Fabinho attributes his success to the guidance of management and to one coach who profoundly influenced his career: Jürgen Klopp. "When I joined Liverpool, I didn’t directly partake in Klopp’s initial work; I came in at a time of success for the team." Beyond the trophies, Fabinho has numerous reasons to express gratitude to Klopp. During his time under Klopp, Fabinho participated in 219 matches, netting 11 goals and providing 11 assists. "I admire Klopp's gameplay, which many consider 'rock 'n' roll.' I loved playing and watching that style. He had a parental side, maintaining a great relationship with the players. He was an exceptional motivator, filled with intensity, and conveyed his ideas effectively—that’s his strongest trait," Fabinho praised.</p>
<br>
<h2>Remembering Diogo Jota</h2>
<br>
<p>This summer, the football community was shocked by the tragic news of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva passing away in a car accident. Having played alongside Jota in 98 matches at Liverpool, Fabinho was deeply affected: "Honestly, it's still hard to believe. I remember when he arrived from Wolves; I tried to assist him because we both spoke Portuguese. Over time, his wife became good friends with mine."</p>
<br>
<p>"We shared a strong friendship, and he enjoyed connecting with the English players. We even joked that he was more English than Portuguese due to his social habits. He was a genuine person and a dedicated worker. Now, we only have memories and our prayers for his family and wife. The pain is unimaginable. He was down-to-earth, uninterested in material possessions, always focused on his hard-earned place in life. I remember him as a hardworking warrior."</p>
<br>
<h2>Nostalgia for Liverpool</h2>
<br>
<p>Two years after his departure from Liverpool, Fabinho still feels a deep connection with the fanbase. He continues to closely watch and support his former teammates who now play under the management of Arne Slot. "I always tune in and cheer for my friends at the club, wishing them all the best. To this day, I receive lots of warm messages from fans, both in person and through social media. It's heartwarming to see how they embody the spirit of <em>'you'll never walk alone.'</em> If you’ve worn the Liverpool jersey, they’ll always support you no matter where you go."</p>
<br>
<p>
<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/liverpool-summer-sales-1755264859-174918.png?lm=1755264875" width="503"></img>
</p>
<br>
<p>"The most frequent messages I receive are from fans saying they miss me, along with plenty referencing <em>'you'll never walk alone.'</em> They often ask about my goal against Manchester City or request photos. City were our main rivals back then. We beat them just once, yet came close to winning on two occasions. That game, where I scored, was our best performance, as we rarely dominated them like that; it stands as my best goal for Liverpool."</p>
<br>
<p>Fabinho refers to the 3-1 victory over Manchester City on November 10, 2019, when he scored early on before Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane added to the score, with Bernardo Silva getting a consolation for City. Those three points were vital in boosting the team's confidence as they aimed for the title. Despite this focus, when asked about his favorite goal, Fabinho reveals it's actually the one he scored against Villarreal in the semi-finals of the 2021/2022 Champions League.</p>
<br>
<p>"The most significant goal for me was against Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final," Fabinho shared. "We were down 2-0 when I managed to score and shift the momentum to 2-1. That goal revitalized our team and led us to turn the match around. I consider it my most crucial goal." The Champions League has always led to discussions among players. During his five years with Liverpool, Fabinho grew close to Fernandinho, formerly of Manchester City. Despite their club rivalry, they often met due to their proximity, just 56 kilometers apart, to chat about the Premier League and Champions League challenges.</p>
<br>
<div>
<p>Player Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>Current Club: Al-Ittihad</p>
<p>Previous Club: Without Club</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>Market Value: €15.00m</p>
<p>Previous Market Value: €250k</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>Position: Defensive Midfield</p>
<p>Previous Position: Defensive Midfield</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>Contract Expiration: 30.06.2026</p>
<p>Previous Contract: -</p>
</div>
<br>
<p><span>Complete Player Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<br>
<p>"In conversations with Fernandinho during his Manchester City tenure, he noted the challenge of winning the Champions League, particularly when they reached the quarter-finals and suffered from the season’s intensity," Fabinho revealed. "Maintaining the relentless pace of Premier League matches wears teams down. Despite adding to their rosters, existing starters maintain key roles. Today's players must be remarkably athletic to match the intensity of the game."</p>
</div>