Leo Scienza interview: Southampton’s Brazilian star on his “crazy” journey to the top of the Premier League | Football news

It was the second half of the season for Southampton, and one of the key men behind the change in fortunes was Leo Scienza.

With 17 Championship goals to his name, 10 since the start of Saints’ unbeaten run in January, the Brazilian legend never ceases to amaze.

The 27-year-old started playing professional football six years ago, and now finds himself just two games away from playing in the biggest league in the world.

A feat beyond his wildest dreams.

Tuesday 12 May 7:30pm

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Like many soccer fans, Scienza played for himself in his native Brazil as he grew up, and he never forgot his past as he continued to thrive while pursuing his dream.

“It’s been crazy the last few years,” the midfielder said Sky Sports.

“I’m 27 years old. I’m playing maybe my sixth season in professional football. And today I’m in the Championship, in this big club, playing in England. Every day has been a dream.

“I remember when I was 18, I was done with school. I did everything I had to do. I played in the Sunday league with normal people with normal jobs. After the game, you drink beer, have fun, eat churrasco.”

As often happens in many stories like Scienza’s, a pivotal moment changed the course of his life and led him to where he is now. Sadly on this occasion, it was the death of his father that made him decide to enter football.

“It was very difficult for me, as my father died on my birthday,” he added. “I felt like I had lost such an important person who gave me this love of football.

“I had the opportunity to go to Sweden and for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel like I was afraid. It was the most important part of my trip because I was there for one and a half years, living in very simple conditions, not living a very good life. I am very grateful for all the little things that I have had.”

His time in Sweden was enough to attract the attention of Schalke in Germany, and after bouncing around a number of clubs in the country’s lower leagues over the next five years, it was Heidenheim that allowed him to show what he was capable of in the Bundesliga.

Nine goals and six assists in all competitions last season caught the eye of Southampton, who snapped him up last summer with one minute left in the window.

While many of his peers have taken time to settle in, Scienza hit the ground running in his first season in English football. It is a fact that he is proud of as many have cut him off before he left.

“Before I came here I could say that my style does not suit me [the Championship]. Everyone said this wouldn’t work.

“If your coach wants to use your best qualities on the field, it’s easy for you to understand where the space is. Where can I get the ball and score.”

It has been about as good a first season as Scienza could ask for. However, promotion to the Premier League could make things even more interesting.

To do that, Southampton need to navigate the rest of the play-offs, starting with beating Middlesbrough on Tuesday night in the second leg of their semi-final. The Brazilian has the unique experience of playing under similar pressure as he had to play in the Bundesliga play-off run at Heidenheim, where he helped them to safety.

“In the second game, I received the ball in the area. It was the 95th minute and I hit the ball almost into the top corner,” he recounted.

“It was a joy because we knew that was it, we were all running and celebrating because we knew that the whole season was based on this goal.

“I was very happy because it’s not just about the players. It’s about the team. It’s about the people who work at the club. They got another season at a high level. I hope we have a happy ending with Southampton.”

Watch Southampton vs Middlesbrough live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm on Tuesday; starts at 8pm.