Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has told the story of how the name he wears on the back of his shirt actually came about.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Brazilian said that his real name is simply Fabio, not Fabinho.
“My name is not Fabinho. My name is Fabio – Fabio Tavares – but in Brazil we put ‘inho’ in every name, so they started to call me Fabinho and until today I’m Fabinho,” explained the 29-year-old.
“I asked my mum when I started my career what she preferred – Fabinho or Fabio – and she said Fabinho, so I stayed with Fabinho.”
It may seem something slightly arbitrary, but with so many young footballers trying to make it in Brazil, it’s important to stand out. Sometimes talent alone isn’t enough. There must be countless ‘Fabio’s’ around, but there’s only one Fabinho.
Fabinho aiming to show his class in Qatar
Since improving his English, Fabinho has shown himself to be very open to speaking to the press.
In contrast to someone like Roberto Firmino, Liverpool’s No.3 is much less guarded. It’s nice to hear a little bit of his story coming out.
As he looks ahead to playing at his very first World Cup for his country, no doubt Fabinho will be recalling some of those early days in Brazil.
It remains to be seen what kind of part the £44m man will play in Tite’s squad. Many of his 28 caps have come from the bench, and plenty at right-back to boot.
But with Brazil’s midfield options not looking their best area of the pitch, maybe Fabinho can muscle his way in.
Going off his form with Liverpool, that seems unlikely right now. In fact, some would argue that the former Monaco player is actually lucky to be included in the squad at all, such is his current level.
Class is permanent though, and our Fabio certainly has plenty of that. Having given himself a name to stand out as a youngster, Fabinho has let his football set him apart ever since.
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