The Brazilian player is without a doubt a dominant figure in German soccer.
Since he joined the Bundesliga in 2006 as one of many talented Brazilian players, Diego Ribas da Cunha -- better known as just Diego -- has developed into a superstar.
The 22-year-old has been showered with recognition from all sides. The sports magazine
Kicker crowned him best Man admits Shelly manslaughter ...
Cocaine 'killed Ike Turner' ... player of the 2007-2008 pre-season, based on a survey of his fellow Bundesliga players.
Television viewers voted his goal against Aachen on April 20, 2007 as goal of the year -- he'd shot it in from 62 meters (200 feet). And German fans have ranked him fourth in the world, behind greats Kaka, Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo.
"I'm very happy with these distinctions, but there's still a lot to do," Diego said. "Of course I'm happy about everything that's happened to me so far in Germany, but a team like Werder Bremen has to win a title."
Gossip over Diego's next step
Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Diego shot the goal of the year at this match against Aachen last April Bremen haven't claimed a title since Diego joined the team. Patience is the necessary ingredient, the star player said, adding that, "Success will come with time."
Bremen are currently seated second behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga table and are also competing in the UEFA Cup.
Courted by other top team in Europe, some have branded the Brazilian too good for the German top flight. Read Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have all stirred up a lot of speculation about his future.
"It doesn't bother me that I'm always asked about my future in the Bundesliga, but it has to stop at some point," he said. "I still have a contract with Werder Bremen that lasts for three more years. I strongly believe that I'll stay in the Bundesliga that long."
Dreams of gold in China
Meanwhile, however, he's also part of the Brazilian national team. Their two big wins in the Copa America have whetted his appetite for titles. Hopes are high for success at the 2008 Olympics and the 2010 World Cup.
"With time, I'll establish myself on the national team; there's a lot of competition there," said Diego. "But my moment will come. I'm working hard for that."
The next step is Beijing: "I want to go to the Olympics, but I haven't talked with Werder Bremen about that yet."
(Deutsche Welle)
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