I wish I had Pirlo's intelligence: Cafu

KOLKATA: As the city is preparing to host Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil in a historic international friendly with India next month, Cafu's whirlwind visit here on Monday came with a whiff of nostalgia and longing.The former Sao Paulo, AS Roma and AC Milan defender had led Brazil to their fifth World Cup crown back in 2002 and the Selecao have since struggled to scale the ultimate peak in world football.The 56-year-old didn't reflect on what's ailing Brazilian football right now, but he did open up on a few interesting topics during a rapid-fire round with former Mohun Bagan captain and fellow Brazilian Jose Ramirez Barreto acting as the interviewer."I wish I had Pirlo's football intelligence," Cafu said in reply to Barreto's query about whose quality he would like to 'steal' given a chance.Cafu and Pirlo had played together at AC Milan from 2003 to 2008 when Ancelotti had been in charge of the Italian team. It is still hailed as the golden period for the Italian giants who went on to win two Uefa Champions League titles and one Fifa Club World Cup crown among others during the time."And who's that one player you wish you could have played with but never got a chance?" Barreto asked during the programme hosted by the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry."It has to be Maradona," pat came the reply from the Brazilian who is the only player to have played in three World Cup title-deciders, "because I've played with Pele (in an exhibition match)."According to him, Ronaldo was more frightening than Romario as "an opponent."Cafu featured in an exhibition match by women footballers during the inauguration of AADAC Education Foundation before calling on chief minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna. Before leaving, he gave Indian football a word of advice. "Believe in yourself. That's all. "Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.