Verona striker Dailon Livramento opened up about his journey to professional football and his love for music. Born in the Netherlands but proudly Cape Verdean, Livramento nearly chose a different path before becoming a footballer, as he explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I was born in Rotterdam and started playing for a local team when I was 5,” Livramento recalls. “At the same time, I loved music. On one hand, I admired Ronaldinho; on the other, Michael Jackson. At 12, I decided to quit football and start dancing. My parents supported me. But after about a year, I wanted to return to football, and my parents backed that decision too.”
Livramento’s brother is a rapper in the Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde. “We’re very close,” he says. “He always reminds me that I’m living his dream because he wanted to become a professional footballer too. He’s my best friend, the first person I talk to about anything. After my goal against Napoli, he flooded me with messages.”
The striker’s passion for music runs in the family. “My mother, who was born in Rome where my grandmother lived, is an artist and loves music. Same with my father, who was also a DJ. Plus, there’s my brother who’s a rapper. When I wake up and when I go to bed, I always listen to music. It’s essential for me.”
Livramento enjoys various genres, from pop and Michael Jackson to French music and hip-hop, depending on his mood. He hints at celebrating his next goal with a dance, something he wanted to do after scoring against Napoli but was overwhelmed by the emotions of celebrating with the fans.
Speaking of Verona’s supporters, Livramento is impressed. “They’re very passionate, they make themselves heard and support us throughout the match. When I step on the field, I like to have a sort of ‘connection’ with the fans, and I’d say on Sunday our relationship got off to a good start.”
The striker praises Verona coach Paolo Zanetti: “He made an excellent impression on me. He’s very direct: he tells you what he likes and doesn’t like to your face. From day one, he gave me directions, explained the movements to make, and what he expects from me. With someone like that, you learn quickly.”
Livramento dedicates his goal against Napoli to his parents and brother. “They helped me become the person I am today, not just the footballer. They weren’t at the stadium on Sunday, but they watched the match. My goal means a lot to me but also to them.”
When asked about his favorite player, Livramento mentions Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. “I always watched Ronaldinho when I was little. I liked how he moved, how he enjoyed himself, always with a smile. He likes to dance too: we have something in common… I also greatly admire Cristiano Ronaldo. I like how he works, his mentality: everyone has something to learn from him.”
Despite being born in the Netherlands, Livramento chose to play for Cape Verde. “Because I feel it’s my country. I grew up with a Cape Verdean mentality, and when I told my family I wanted to play for Cape Verde, they were overjoyed. This choice makes me very proud.”
