MARAMI ang hindi nakakaalam na isa ng professional football player si Daniel Matsunaga. Ang Brazilian-Japanese model ay kasalukuyang naglalaro para sa Kaya FC sa United Football League. Sa kabila ng kanyang showbiz at modelling careers, nakukuha pa rin ni Matsunaga na maglaro ng football. Sa isang eksklusibong panayam kay Eric Dimzon, sinabi ng guwapong aktor, modelo at football player ang kanyang nararamdamang saya sa pagiging isang manlalaro.
Where and when did you start playing football?
I started when I was a kid in Brazil. Football is our passion in Brazil. I have played in Brazil and Hong Kong before. The Philippines is the third place I’ve played in professionally.
How did you get into Kaya FC?
I started with Socceroo in the second division. Then I went to Pachanga and Stallion. And now, I am with Kaya FC. I have been training with Kaya for two months now.
Will showbiz take a backseat now that you are a football player?
No, I don’t think so. My showbiz career is my priority. While football is becoming popular here, it is not so big yet. So showbiz muna. Movies and teleseryes muna. But I make time for the team as well.
Do you see the Philippines loving football more?
Two years ago, football here was really small. But in a span of two years, I can see the big difference. Maybe in five years, football will be huge here. Basketball is still the main sport here. But football, hopefully, will become big in the Philippines soon.
What do you think you still need to improve as a player?
As a player, I need to improve my time with the team. I have a lot of work. My teammates practice everyday. I don’t get to train as much as they do. That is the main reason why I’m on the bench. But I do understand that.
As a player, it is natural to want to be in the field playing. But even on the bench, I can help the team. And I go to the gym to be fit and ready to play.
Which do you love more, acting or playing football?
I love acting but also football. It has always been my dream to be a football player. And this is happening right now and I am happy with that. I am glad to be able to do both.
Are you planning to go back to Brazil to watch the World Cup?
Yes. I am going to Brazil to watch World Cup 2014.