APPIANO GENTILE - Eder is this week's guest on Caffe' Doppio, the regular Thursday night slot on Inter Channel. The striker began by discussing where he grew up: "I was born in Lauro Muller (Brazil) and I used to play football as a kid. I nipped home after school and then went to play football with my mates - mainly on the five-a-side pitches. I never wanted for anything as a child. My parents worked hard and we always had a good life. My grandparents were from the Italian town of Nove."
Eder owes much of his success to hard graft: "I'm pleased because I never needed anyone's help - everything I've achieved has been down to me. I earned a call-up for the Italian national team and a move to Inter by playing well for Samp. I've made it to where I am today through hard work and I'll keep grafting because it pays off. I've been around the block and played for a number of clubs, so I have massive respect for football at every level. I started at Empoli and had a number of loan spells, before joining Samp, who really wanted me. Then came the national team and Inter. I'm really proud because I earned it all with my performances on the pitch. I was a kid when I moved to Frosinone. They gave me a lot there and I'm pleased they're doing well this season. I made friends off the pitch in Brescia too and every now and then I go back."
Eder then spoke about his personal life: "My favourite dish is carbonara and I know how to make it too. I used to eat veal and green beans when I was at Empoli - a typical Tuscan meal. I tried horse meat in Brescia, ate piadinas in Cesena and sampled pasta with pesto in Genoa. I eat lots of different things here in Milan but I really like Japanese food."
Eder is married with a son: "I met my wife when I was in Brazil. We've known each other for years, even before I became a footballer. I wasn't easy at the start, we had a long-distance relationship and only saw each other every four or five months. The first time she came to see me in Empoli with my mother, she ended up staying. We were at the airport and decided that she'd stay with me. That was a responsibility because everything changed from that day forward. She's been with me in Italy for nearly nine years now. When my son was born, that was another big moment in our relationship. He's four and the first thing he says to me when I get home is, 'Dad, let's play football'."
Faith and music play a big role in the forward's life: "I'm a devout Catholic and I go to church once or twice a week in the San Siro area. I like being close to God and being able to switch off. It's a culture I've had since I was a kid and it's stayed with me. I don't like going out much anymore. I'm one of the last to go out, along with D'Ambrosio. I relax at home and maybe take Eduardo to the park or cinema. I spend time with him, then we go out for dinner in the evening. But nothing special. We watch games and cartoons together. I like a bit of everything when it comes to music - I listen to Bob Marley."
Finally, the Azzurri man spoke about the next league match: "The Roma match is an important game for us, we know that. We've turned it into a big game with our recent form. We're on the right track. Roma are a very strong side - and they're showing that - with quality players. We have the advantage of playing at home in front of our own fans and we have to make the most of that edge. We'll be ready. While Dzeko is a great player, what matters most is playing as a team. I think Roma are good team because they have a strong squad. They are top players with a lot of character."
