He’s back at his old stomping ground and the ‘Slippery Fish’ couldn’t be happier.
Brazilian striker Henrique has returned for a second stint at Brisbane Roar where he achieved cult status with the club’s fans during a trophy-laden eight-year stay.
He won three Hyundai A-League Championships and scored five Finals Series goals, including the extra-time winner in the 2013/14 Grand Final against Western Sydney.
Henrique also netted the decisive spot-kick to secure Roar’s first Championship in the 2010/11 penalty shoot-out win over Central Coast Mariners.
“I’ve never been so happy in my professional life,” said Henrique told www.a-league.com.au of his return.
“Just coming back here to this environment with these people in this club for me was really special, and I won’t take it for granted.
“At the moment, every time I come here I enjoy it so I hope I can do that for a long period of time.
“First I want to get in the finals and help my teammates, so I’m not thinking about next year yet, but my aim is to stay here for as long as possible,” he said.
The Brazilian had 18 minutes off the bench against Newcastle last weekend in his return to the Hyundai A-League.
It was also his 150th appearance in the competition.
“I feel great during training, it’s been going to another level, which is good,” he said.
“The boys have helped me very well, I feel good to be back playing in the A-League.
“Last week was my first game in a while so I only played 20 minutes.
“My last competitive game was June last year, before last weekend, but I played in the preseason.
“For me, the real battle is improving every training session, pushing in every game, and improving a little bit day by day.
“I’m a little bit out of shape so I need to improve my game fitness.”
GOOAAALLLL! @RIQUESILVA_33 training with our @ALeague side today! #WeAreBrisbane @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/G4n8SeeBdo
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) February 18, 2018
After his eight years at Suncorp, Henrique also had a season with Adelaide United, who Roar host this weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said with that trademark grin.
“The boys in Adelaide welcomed me very well, and I’m looking forward to another game.”
And what of his nickname – “The Slippery Fish” – by which he is now universally known?
“In Brazil they used to call me ‘Fish’ because I would dribble, and then they started to call me ‘Slippery Fish’.
“I think of it as a good thing for me, everything’s good so I don’t mind.
“I’ve never seen anyone call me ‘Slippery Fish’ in a bad way so I don’t mind at all!”
