World footballer of the year - this is a title which Marta Vieira da Silva has held on five occasions. Therefore, not much more needs to be said about the footballing ability of the Brazilian. However, Anja Mittag, who played with the female magician at FC Rosengard in Sweden, has more positives to say about Silva, who will be in action in Sandhausen when her Brazil side take to the field against Germany on 4th July (17:45 CEST).
German football fans have not always been pleased to see Marta in the past because of the threat she poses to their own team - the sign of a great player. She has come in for criticism because of her supposed theatrics on the pitch, but Mittag places no blame on her former teammate: "Marta isn't a diva, she doesn't make a show," said the Germany international with 153 caps to her name.
"Marta is a real team player"
Mittag got to know Marta in a different way: much more intensely and not just on the football pitch. Mittag has great respect for Marta for a number of reasons. Of course, the first is related to football: "She plays football of the highest level." Mittag added, "She works hard for the team and is a real team player. She always gives everything - even in training. Every player wants someone like that in their team."
The 31-year-old Brazilian is certainly worthy of such high praise. Marta has almost always played for a top club. In Sweden, she was at Umea IK, Tyresö FF and FC Rosengard. In the USA she is currently playing for Orlando Pride and has previously represented Western New York Flash, FC Gold Pride and Los Angeles Sol. This represents an impressive career and one in which Marta has established herself wherever she has been. In fact, more than that, she has been a key player and leading figure at all of her clubs.
Likeable with a passion for dogs
Mittag narrates: "Marta moved to Sweden at 18 years of age. She was a long way away from home. It was a very brave decision. But she established herself and did everything right."
Mittag praises Marta's maturity away from the football pitch. But that's hardly surprising, as someone who achieves so much for them self at such a young age must have a certain openness. "She is a likeable person and can be quite funny," said Mittag. They used to try to speak to each other in Swedish. However, Marta was not much of a partier, rather the opposite was the case. "She liked to stay in the background," explained Mittag. "She had a small dog which she loved above all else."
A sparring partner for dribbling practice? Who knows. Her skills in one-on-one situations were renowned. "She knows exactly what she's doing and it looks spectacular. She can decide games on her own," said Mittag. Therefore, the German is happy that she doesn't have to come up against Marta on too many occasions. "We don't meet that often on the pitch, mainly because we operate at opposite ends of the field." This will be the case on 4th July in Sandhausen.