Just so you guys get to know something about Cardacio I’m translating an interview from last September, with his brother (Federico Zamora) done in a Milan fan spanish forum, that him and Cardacio have visit. Credits to the people that did this interview.
It was a surprise for everyone his sudden arrival to Milan. How did it happened?
A: Uuhhh is long to tell but I’ll sum it up. Over a year ago Mathias was about to go to Europe, but he didn’t know in which club, the first one that tried to get him was Barcelona when he was 16, but he didn’t have an EU passport and that delayed his plans. Then during transfer season of last year he was ready to go to Lazio but everything fell down in the last minute. In this transfer period Juventus was the one that had everything arranged, but before he went there Milan showed up with a better proposal for his future and without a doubt he went there due to the club’s prestige.
Before Mathias went to Milan, did you support a European team?
A: I was always a fan of Juve, but my brother always liked Milan in Italy.
Did you ever imagine seeing your brother playing in Europe so soon and in a team like Milan?
A: One always dreams with that possibility but the truth is that it went beyond every expectative, what I did see was a lot of will to be better and winning spirit that makes him deserve a team with that idea, he also has great football skills that you will be able to see if it's God's will.
What was the first thing he told you when he found out about his move to Milan?
A: Mathias called me, and told me “Fede, I’m very happy this is the best thing I can ask in life I only hope I can last there for long” And I told him that now he was starting a new career and that he deserved that life gift for all the effort he has put in.
And have you talked with Mathis lately? What has he told you?
A: I spoke with him today (…); he had to go to sleep early cause he had to be at Milanello at 8 am. I talk with him almost everyday if our schedules let it, because there’s a five hour difference with Uruguay. About yesterday’s loss against Genoa he told me that he was very ashamed.
In several websites they give the nickaname “Bochita” to Mathias. Where did it come from?
A: They calll him “bocha” for family tradition, because people called his father and uncles that way when they were profesional footballers in Uruguay. The first time that he set his foot on a pitch 5 years ago, the journalist decided to nicknamed him “bochita”. But he has other nicknames like the ones that the Milan players gave him which is “Carda”.
For what I see they have already started to like him. With who he gets along better in the dressing room?
A: Without a doubt for his way of being with the brazilians, they are happy people and good teamates among themselves. Mathias told me that Emerson, Dinho, Pato and Kaka were the ones that gave him a hand when he arrived”.
Does he not get along well with the Europeans?
A: No, he also ges along well with the europeans specially with Senderos. They have a way of being a bit different from the latinamericans, but they are all good with him. The Europeans usually are people that give a lot of advices to the players with little experience.
Many say that Cardacio arrived at Milan to be the Pirlo sub that Milan needs so badly. Are you in agreement with that?
A: IMO, I feel that there’s always a need for rejuvenation, and young players need to learn from their predecessor and I think that Mathias has a very similar game to that of Andrea Pirlo. (I didn't caught well the idea of the first part in spanish so it's a little confusing).
Also people compare him to Redondo. Are they similar?
A:Yeah, although Mathias saw little of Redondo. On the other hand he has followed Fernando Gago, who for me is Redondo’s clone. Since I have seen both argies playing, I can tell you that both are similar to my brother, since he has a very good ball touch and he always plays with his head up just like Redondo.
Who is his football idol?
A: His football ido is Fernando Gago, and he follows Pirlo, Fabregas and Xavi closely.
Why did he choose #14?
A: Well, he chose it because it was among the options left but his favorite number is the one that Nesta wears, number 13.
What has he told you about Ancelotti?
A: He is very thankful with Ancelotti because if it wasn’t for him, my brother wouldn’t be at Milan, since it was him that asked for Mathias. What Mathis is waiting is that Carlo gives him his opportunity to demonstrate the great talent he has.