In an interview with Kicker, Union Berlin’s Sheraldo Becker spoke on growing up and learning football on the streets, his relationship with Urs Fischer and more.
The Bundesliga’s top scorer opened up about how he learnt to play football on the streets of his home city in Amsterdam: “I loved playing on the street with friends and spending a lot of time together. For example, I rode a lot of bicycles. I was only nine when I was discovered on at a talent signing day, but before that football was not so present in my head.”
The Suriname international also spoke on his experiences from playing football on the streets compared to an academy the size of Ajax’s. “Everything is different on the streets. You want to win every game there. In the academy you have to improve from week to week. It’s more like a school,” added the 27-year-old.
Becker, who has scored six and created four in the Bundesliga, has already surpassed last season’s tally. When asked what’s changed from last season, the forward said: “It’s important that I can play from the start. The early days at Union were hard because I didn’t play regularly. Now everyone trusts me. This is also one reason why I renewed my contract.
“However, there is even more potential in me, and I would like to show that to everyone. I want to continue to be important to the team and help wherever I can. Whether it’s with more goals and assists or by supporting a lot defensively.”
The attacker also spoke on what his relationship with Union coach Urs Fischer is like. “It has always been good; we talk a lot and sometimes discuss. But I think that’s normal,” said Becker
“He helped me a lot. And not only on but also off the pitch. I’m here in Berlin because I can play football. But that’s not all. I have to work hard take care of my body. He helped me internalise this and get a little better every day. Another reason why I renewed by contract.”
When asked what Union Berlin means to him, Becker said: “A lot, because they gave me a chance to play in the Bundesliga. I talked to my family about it a lot at the time. It was the right decision to come here. The first year was not easy, but now I find my way around better and better. I recently showed this on the pitch and would like to continue further.”
Union Berlin currently sit top of the Bundesliga after seven games.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
