NewsFabinho on funniest teammate, Fenomeno wish and his real name

The Reds midfielder recently took part in a fan Q&A with Sky Sports – and you can read the best bits from the interview below…

On his favourite moment in a Liverpool shirt…

The game against Barcelona, the second game at Anfield. For me, the game, the result was really special – but the moment after the game between players, staff and fans was really special, something really special in my career, one of the best experiences in my football career. That’s why it was so special, this game.

On the toughest opponent he has faced…

Probably [Lionel] Messi. I always wanted to play against him to see how he is on the pitch. Of course Messi is one of the best players in football history but I always wanted to face him to see if he was really good in the flesh as well – and he was really good. I think I played against Messi maybe three times. The first time, he scored two goals, the first game at Camp Nou in the Champions League semi-final. Always when he had the ball he could do something different, a pass or an individual action for himself. That’s why these players don’t need too much to be dangerous in the game.

On the funniest player in the Reds squad…

Kostas Tsimikas, the Greek Scouser. This guy is just crazy, he’s always joking with everyone. He looks to be always happy, he is the type of guy you want to have around you. He’s a really nice guy.

On which Brazil legend he would have loved to play with…

Ronaldo, Fenomeno. After Pele, he is the best Brazilian player. I didn’t see Pele playing so that’s why I say Ronaldo because I saw him playing, I saw him win a World Cup with Brazil and be the best player in the World Cup. So, Ronaldo. What a striker – pace, power, skilful. I would have loved to play with him.

On his name not actually being Fabinho…

My name is not Fabinho. My name is Fabio – Fabio Tavares – but in Brazil we put ‘inho’ in every name so they started to call me Fabinho and until today I’m Fabinho. I asked my mum when I started my career what she preferred – Fabinho or Fabio – and she said Fabinho, so I stayed with Fabinho.