Ramazotti the goal king again
Brazilian striker is the top striker again, and DPMM star wants more
The Brazilian learnt his craft at home early, honing his touch and finishing skills.
You tend to get the basics right fast in a country regarded as the greatest football nation, and Rafael Ramazotti eventually grew into a physically imposing 1.93-metre tall striker.
He has been plying his trade all over the world, and in the last two years, he has been displaying his prowess in the Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League.
For the second season running, the Brunei DPMM marksman will receive the league's Golden Boot at tomorrow's Awards Night following his 20-goal haul this past campaign.
Asked how pleased he was at being the competition's most-prolific forward once more, the personable Ramazotti told The New Paper: "The main target was to retain the league title and we worked so hard for that.
"Unfortunately, we were only able to finish third so I'm really happy that, at least, I've won the Golden Boot for a second time.
"Like I've said before, this award isn't mine but ours because I didn't score on my own… My teammates did a brilliant job in helping me win it again."
Having previously played top-flight football in Switzerland, Portugal and Japan, the 28-year-old arrived in the S.League with impressive credentials, but did he expect to make such an impact?
"Whenever I join a new club or start in a new league, I always have big dreams," he revealed.
"I'm always trying to score because that is how I help my club to win games but, even then, 41 league goals in 52 games is a really good result.
"Of course, I'm satisfied with this record."
STAYING PUT
Ramazotti is almost certain to remain with the Bruneian outfit next season and he could be lining up alongside another powerful forward, following recent talk of DPMM's interest in Tampines Rovers target man Billy Mehmet.
Although the two are similar in playing style, the Brazilian does not see this being an issue, if the rumours are true.
Jokingly, he said: "I won't have to get used to playing with him… He will have to do it because I'm the veteran here at DPMM!
"But seriously, I don't know anything about that but, if DPMM want him, he will be very welcome in Brunei because it's great every time we play with good players.
"In 2017, I will maintain the same mentality and attitude and keep working hard to help us regain the S.League title and to be the top scorer again.
"As always, I start each season with big targets and positive thinking."
Despite having 25 goals in all competitions to choose from, the Sao Caetano native was able to pick his favourite strike of the year, although his choice might come as a surprise.
Laughing out loud as he recalled how, with his back to goal, he bravely went for a header despite knowing there was impending danger, Ramazotti said: "It was against Hougang United (on August 26)... They were leading 1-0 and I equalised, before scoring this goal a minute later.
"It wasn't a particularly beautiful goal but I remember it well because the goalkeeper (Ridhuan Barudin) almost killed me in the process!
"But it is my favourite because it was an important goal that helped us win the match and, besides, how often do you get to score two goals in two minutes?"
In 2017, I will maintain the same mentality and attitude and keep working hard to help us regain the S.League title and to be the top scorer again.
— S.League Golden Boot winner Rafael Ramazotti
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