When Gabriel De Souza heard a few years ago that Brazilian legend Palhinha would be coaching a new soccer team in the area called Boston City FC, he knew he wanted to be a part of it.
Palhinha had been one of De Souza’s favorite players growing up and he played for De Souza’s favorite team Sao Paulo.
“Palhinha is a big guy is Brazil. He’s a very important guy. I was very excited to play for him,” De Souza, 28, said.
It was a rare opportunity to play for someone who had made a mark on the legendary Brazilian national team and won two Club World Cups.