I believe you have just returned to Brazil from Uruguay after a short trial. How did it go?

Well currently I'm back in Brazil. I arrived yesterday. I was in Uruguay for about a week and things didn't go as planned. There have been many things I've had to adjust to in regards to my living conditions, change of clubs, poor training facilities, language, food, housing, transportation, and the overall culture.

Uruguay (Montivideo) is actually a really beautiful place; it's just unfortunate my experience has not been so great this time around. I was scheduled to be in Uruguay for two weeks training with the club Espanyol. However, due to misinformed information, or lies, poor organisation, and a multiple of adjustments I've had to endure, I decided it was best for me to go back to Brazil.

The main reason I came to Uruguay was because my agent advised me that it's an easier route to Europe if you have a European passport and it's easier to play for a First Division club down here and the pay is a bit better than in Brazil, unless you play for a top club in Brazil.

However, many things where not revealed to me prior to my arrival and wrong information given. Thus, the adjustments I've had to make have been too great and it's not worth it for me to stay. I will now sit down with my agent and finalise the remainder of my time here in Brazil.

Can you give us a few examples of the off-field problems you have encountered so far?

Well, there have been many things I've had to adjust to such as food, living conditions, language barriers, and the overall culture. But the major problems have been misinformed information, poor organisation, a lot of fast-talking, false promises and a lack of professional experience.

Unfortunately, as a result of my inexperience professionally it has made things very difficult to get my foot in the door with many clubs. I'm 27-years old and the first question everybody asks is: "What team do I currently play for and what teams have I played for?

As a result, a few clubs didn't even want to look at me. If I had not played for Bermuda Hogges I feel I would have really struggled. Nevertheless, I expected it would be difficult and realise it's part of the process. It still would have been a struggle with professional experience, but I don't think as much.

However, the frustrating part for me is when a contact informs me that things are good but the club knows nothing about my situation. For example, my agent is a very well respected and known man in Porto Alegre, Brazil and as a result, most of my trials for clubs have been based on his recommendation.

However, in some of the other cities he does not know every club director, but he will have some sort of affiliation with the club and use whatever contact he has to try and get me in. In one situation the contact tells my agent things are good and that I can try out. However, the contact didn't inform the director of that club resulting in the club not knowing that I was coming and me not being able to train.

I understand there's a club in Brazil who have shown an interest in you (E.C. São José). What is the situation regarding that team?

Yes! I have the green light to rejoin them for pre-season training in January. If I do well then they may sign me. Based on what my agent has said the coach was impressed with my performances but after discussing financial terms and living arrangements with him I dont think that it's the best move for me. At this stage though I have not totally ruled it out of the picture.

Although you're still searching for a full-time contract has the whole experience been rewarding for you, both on and off the field?

Most definitely. The main thing I've learned through this experience is that success is not a destination it's a process.

Although many of my experiences out here have fallen more on the frustrating side rather than the everything is perfect side, I truly believe it's made me a better person as well as preparing me for greater things in life.

I would have loved to have told my family and friends after the first trial that the club wanted to sign me to a contract and that I'd be making such and such a week. But the reality of life is that nothing great comes with out some sort of sacrifice and hard work.

For me, one thing that's been so great has been the difficulties and the struggles I've had to go through. During those times I've learned the most. I've heard about players from Brazil being poor and doing anything to become a professional player but I had never experienced it until now.

I come from a decent family, I'm financially stable and in need of nothing. I have a nice home, bike, internet access, entertainment centre, quality place to sleep, eat, and can enjoy some of the finer things in life.

I've been taken from that and placed in a three-bedroom house with 18 other guys all striving for the same goal. The house is dirty, smelly, has no washer, no dryer, or many other things I normally take for granted.

I eat only once sometimes twice a day because the food is horrible and I can't afford three meals each day.

My ATM card doesn't work because the machine doesn't have the correct logo on it. I sleep on a rock hard bunk bed, have to walk to training about 20 minutes away, only to train on a field that, although professional, is worse than the majority of the fields in Bermuda all because of a dream of becoming a professional player.

This is the reality of at least 80 percent of the players that dedicate their life to becoming a professional player in South America. This was part of my experience in Uruguay and some of the things I had to adjust too. However, despite the difficulties it was one of the most educational experiences of my life and one that I'll never forget.

Do you feel your overall game has improved greatly since you left Bermuda?

Yes, but I feel more mentally than physically. Physically, I felt my game improving a lot when I was at São José. I was there for about three weeks and I felt I was really adjusting to the speed of things as well as the physicality.

However, since then I haven't been playing as much with clubs not taking me on. But I think the mental side of my game has improved the most. I've been able to see a lot of football live, as well as experience how different players approach the game especially at the lower level. These players exude so much passion, dedication, perseverance, and determination on a day-to-day basis that it has really made me more appreciative of the game and the opportunity that I have.

Do you feel confident that, if given the chance, you could play at this level professionally?

Definitely. I have been given a chance and I'm trying to make the best out of it. However, it's a difficult process as well as a process that in most cases takes time, dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

I feel that I've all of those qualities and some, but the ultimate decision does not fall in my hands. Nevertheless, I definitely feel that I'm on the right path towards achieving such a goal. However, the timing may not have been best, but I still remain optimistic.

Do you feel that your age could be the main barrier for you rather than ability?

I feel my age along with a lack of professional experience are the barriers. For instance, at São José there is a 34-year-old player who is overweight, slow, and lazy. However, he used to play for Internacional and was an excellent player in his day.

Despite his age I feel he has a contract because of his experience, which adds a lot to a team, as well as what he has achieved in his prime.

It's the business world, people like to know what they are getting for their money and before they invest in a product. I feel my lack of experience along with my age has been the biggest barrier to playing at a descent club where I can make a suitable living.

How long do you intend to stay in South America for before coming back to Bermuda?

Well, I've taken a year off to pursue my dream. However, I will be back around mid-December for Christmas and then depending on what has transpired out here, or elsewhere, I'll make a decision as to what I will do next.