Dante: Bayern hero Lucio was my role model

19-Mar-2013 5:55:00 AM

The Bayern defender has praised the Brazilian veteran, and says he used the Sao Paulo centre-back's attributes as the basis for his own game

Bayern Munich star Dante has described club icon Lucio as his role model.

The Allianz Arena defender has been one of the best players for the Bavarians this season, and the German giants remain en route for a treble with the Bundesliga secured, the DFB-Pokal a possibility and the Champions League final potentially four games away.

Sao Paulo centre-back Lucio was a hugely influential figure during his five-year spell at the German side, eventually becoming club captain, and Dante revealed his respect for his fellow Brazilian’s attitude.

"Lucio was my main role-model," the central defender told Bundesliga.com. "I admired his personality and character.

"His attitude was superb. I liked the aggression and whole-heartedness he always brought to his game. That's why he was my main role model."

Dante was brought to the Allianz Arena last summer as an extra alternative having had a successful 2011/12 campaign at Borussia Monchengladbach, and the Selecao player is revelling in his rise from being worried about relegation to being on the verge of lifting the Bundesliga trophy.

"Two years ago I was still battling relegation with Borussia Monchengladbach," Dante added. "Now two years on I might be winning the Bundesliga title. It is a dream come true."

Dante has again been included in the Brazil squad by Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of friendlies against Italy and Russia in March, and the relative newcomer to international football is thrilled at being chosen to play for his country.

"It means an awful lot to me - everything to me," he continued. "It’s my dream. To us Brazilians it means so, so much."