I was born in Vila Nova, a poor suburb of Porto Alegre, Brazil. I was the youngest of three children. My mother Miguelina is a former salesperson who later studied to become a nurse. My father João was a shipyard worker and footballer for Cruzeiro. My family moved to a more affluent district of Porto Alegre when my older brother Roberto signed to play professional football for Grêmio. My father died when I was 8, after suffering a heart attack while swimming in the family's pool. Injuries ended Roberto's career prematurely, and he now manages me. My sister Deisi works as his press coordinator. My son, named João after my father, was born on 25 February, 2005. João's mother is JanaÃna Nattielle Viana Mendes, a former dancer on the Brazilian television show Domingão do Faustão.In my childhood, my skill in football began to blossom due to my particular interest in futsal and beach football, which later developed into a fondness for more standardised football. My first brush with the media came after a 23 goal flurry against a local team, at just 13 years of age. My reputation as a footballer was built up through my childhood, particularly since I was identified as a rising star at the Egypt 1997 under-17 world championship. I scored two goals in the tournament, both penalty kicks.I am a huge fan of Brazilian music, and occasionally plays the drums and sings with friends in Barcelona
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