Brazilian Athletes Are Accompanied by Relatives and Pet Dogs in Russia

06/26/2018 - 12h28

On the main pier of Sochi, children could be seen playing soccer. But those who walked along the boardwalk never would have imagined that they were the sons and relatives of the Brazilian team's soccer stars.

In addition to their sons and daughters, the athletes' wives and friends were also present, not to mention pet dogs and even personal trainers - all of whom have been helping to establish a home-like atmosphere at the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia.

The informal game took place just a couple dozen meters away from the Pullman hotel, which is where the Brazil team's coaching staff as well as most of the athletes' relatives have been staying since the beginning of June. They account for at least 120 of the hotel's guests.

	Foto: Eduardo Knapp/Folhapress, ESPORTES
	Soccer player Casemiro plays with his daughter Sara, in Sochi

The guest list, however, does not include the relatives of Brazil's star player. Neymar's father, mother, sister and girlfriend, Bruna Marquezine, are all staying at the same hotel as the Brazil team: the Swissôtel. The hotel features a private beach along with swimming pools.

The easygoing atmosphere by the pier in Sochi is exactly what the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had hoped for: a nice, family-friendly environment.

Last Saturday, Thiago Silva, Renato Augusto, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar all stopped by to say hello to players' relatives.

Neymar's friends and Gabriel's all hit it off.

A trendy pier filled with bars and restaurants right by the Pullman hotel has been frequented by players' relatives on several occasions. Such visits have been posted on social media.

Louise Ramos, the wife of midfielder Douglas Costa, was even seen taking the family dog for a walk.

While the CBF did do all the planning in terms of travel logistics, it did not cover the expenses. The confederation resorted to a parent company to make all the arrangements, but the players have been footing the bill.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

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