Sandro could not leave Porto Alegre without visiting the works which are changing the stadium where he gained national recognition in Brazilian football. On May 2, he took his second to last day in the city to visit the works at Beira-Rio, which will host the FIFA 2014 World Cup. And he took a complete tour as he noticed the changes in the stadium.

Sandro visited modernization works at Beira-Rio
(Photos: Rafael Antoniutti/TXT.Assessoria)

Wearing a helmet, goggles, ear protector, boots and vest, the former Internacional player started his tour on the outside, where rooftop covers are being set up. After that, by walking through that area, he thought of the places he used to train at with nostalgia; places which now have given way to a garage building.

Visits began from the Visitor Center

Inside the stadium, Sandro took a look at the field and the stands as he went into the area reserved for VIP fans, located upstairs. As he walked along the cabins, he thought of a way to “contribute” with the new Gigante stadium: he grabbed a hoe from one of the workers and started to prepare the cement that would be eventually used.
– Visiting is not enough. I’ve got to put my hands to the plow, too – he stated, in a very laid-back way, very typical of him.

Lastly, he was impressed with the short distance between field and supporters. The defensive midfielder, who has been playing in England for almost three years now, thought of the European style as he saw how close players and supporters will be.

Sandro was impressed with the short distance between the field and supporters

– In Europe, supporters sit even closer. They are going to be closer than before here, too. There is more room in the lower stands. The stadium is getting very beautiful. It has changed a lot compared to how it was before, and colorados will have a sensational stadium for the matches. It will be a great host stadium for FIFA 2014 World Cup. It was great to come see the works and I will keep up with the news from the Club – said Tottenham’s midfielder, who was harassed by employees and agents responsible for the works at the end of his visit.

Sandro is recovering from a surgery in his right knee performed last January, after a Premier League match against QPR. After he started his treatment in London, he continued with it in Porto Alegre, as he was guided by Internacional’s physiotherapists. He has been working since mid-March in the Parque Gigante’s Training Center and currently jogs around the field.

He played 99 times for Inter, from 2008 to 2010 and won four titles: 2008 Sudamericana Cup, 2009 Rio Grande do Sul State Championship, 2009 Suruga Bank Championship and 2010 Libertadores Cup.