Genoa goalkeeper Rubinho believes the Rossoblu can qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time since 1991.
The Grifone are currently eighth with four games remaining and have every chance of playing in Europe next season thanks to a fairly easy run-in comprising games against Empoli, Parma, Atalanta and Lazio.
“We are happy with what we have done so far,” the 25-year-old admitted. “But we will do our best to obtain a place in Europe. We believe we can do it.”
The Brazilian stopper has been among the best shot-stoppers in Serie A this season and is attracting interest from Premiership clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur.
“I am happy. Life obliges you to work a lot to reach your goals and I have put years and years in to arrive where I am today.”
The former Corinthians 'keeper, who joined Genoa in 2006, explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport how he came to Italy.
“My contract ran out with Corinthians, the team in which I grew up, and so I travelled to Italy for a trial with Verona.
“Coach Massimo Ficcadenti came to my house in the summer and told me to prepare because they would build a team around me.
“When I arrived, I discovered that the President had other ideas. I returned to Brazil and received a call from Portuguese club Vitoria Setubal, where Genoa found me.”
Rubinho has collected three clean sheets from his last four games and is finally getting the credit he deserves from his peers.
“Gigi Buffon sent me a pair of his gloves. I have begun to collect those worn by men I respect like Dida, Claudio Taffarel and Gianluca Pagliuca.”
Rubinho is one of a host of Brazilians plying their trade in Serie A. He played with Kaka and Adriano for the Selecao's Under-23s and would like to see another of his former international teammates join him in Italy.
“Diego Cavalieri has been linked with a move to Fiorentina. He deserves it because, further to being a good goalkeeper, he is a splendid guy.”
Cavalieri has been lined up to replace Sebastian Frey in Florence should the Frenchman leave the Viola.
