Edu talks about starting his career playing indoor football (futsal) and how the game taught him to dribble in tight spaces. He acknowledges that some players who try to move from futsal to the full game have problems adapting to the rules and pitch, but for him playing futsal first has been very beneficial.

Regarding the failed transfer to Europe, the reporter asks

"You left the junior squad after only 6 months and soon became the idol of the team. The you were the subject of a $9million transfer to Europe. Do you consider yourself a first-class player?"

Edu replies,
"Not yet, there is still a lot I have to learn. The fact that I was recognised was important to me. I was sold to a great European club before I played for the national team."

"How did the failed transfer to Europe affect you?"

And Edu replies,
"It did have an effect, because everything happened so fast. However, from the moment that I returned to Corinthians I forgot about Europe [ie to focus on continuing to play for his current club, ed.]. My future is with Arsenal"

Our understanding is that Corinthians are in a state of turmoil following their disastrous season, and are looking to offload several players. Edu, for one, will be leaving. If Arsenal don't snap him up (when passports allow them to) then someone else will.

But we have every reason to be confident. Our Brasilian correspondent Emerson has spoken to Edu's brother and he practically guarantees that Edu is coming to Highbury. Edu spoke to Arsène Wenger only last week, and is just waiting for the passport.

Luizao is another of those players who Corinthians expect to be able to get a fair fee for. So the rumours reported here earlier seem like a simple matter of a selling club trying to generate interest. Apparently there are stronger rumours that Luizao may be going to Italy (Internazionale), and he has played for PSV in Holland before too.

Thanks also to Charles for his input.