Fabio Paim is one of the prime examples of former players who were predicted to have a great future, but who, due to their path in life and the choices they made, never reached the level that was expected of them. Now 35 years old, he has been retired from football since 2018 when he was linked with Leixões, the former winger who trained at Sporting regrets the fact that he did not take advantage of his talent and suggests that, looking at football Since then, he hasn’t seen a player as good… as himself.
“I was really special. I have to be humble, but it’s true. Unfortunately, in my time there was no Instagram, no Facebook, nothing was filmed like it is now. But I really believe, honestly, that until today there was no one like me with the same quality as his. Cristiano, with all his efforts and work, has reached the level he deserves. But when he played, if he had the same dedication and commitment to his craft, he would have been better than him. If we were talking about technology, then it was better. He was a little Ronaldinho. But, as you see, it is not technology that takes us where we want. But yes, at that time he was better than Cristiano Ronaldo. I think he should give me one of his Ballon d’Ors,” the former player told SunSport.
“Unfortunately for me, I was born talented. I made a lot of money and created the illusion that I didn’t have to work hard. It is impossible for a person like me to become a millionaire. I regret some of my decisions. Now, “I’m a different age, so I see things differently. The talent was there, but my mind wasn’t. My head was busy with women and parties, everything but football. I played a few games, but my body wasn’t there.” not in the best shape and did not respond to what they wanted from me, because if I could, I would be at Barcelona or Real Madrid,” he said.
Paim’s life has had several chapters, and one of the lowest came in 2019 when he was arrested for cocaine possession. “Prison was very difficult, both for me and for my family. But it was good. I realized that what you get easily is not good for you. And I couldn’t continue to lead this lifestyle, I needed to work and maintain my dignity.” “My life is calmer now. I’m sure I’ll make mistakes because I’m human. Prison is no place for a child like me. I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. It was my choice, my mistake. But I need there was the comfort and support that only family can give. Family is the most important thing. When I had fame, money and parties, I thought it was happiness, but now I’m happier having less. I had. To be honest, we “My son asked him to be there, to visit me. My mother has always given me great support. What hurts me most is how much I hurt them with my mistakes, because they didn’t deserve it. I did too much to them,” he concluded.