Manchester City

Elano: We're Not All Divers!

Manchester City midfielder Elano has hit out at claims that Brazilian and Portuguese players are serial simulators, insisting they have contributed much more to English football than diving...

Nov 20, 2008 5:15:30 AM

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Elano - Manchester City (PA)

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There has always been a perception in the British media that foreign players, particularly those of Latin or South American nationality, are soft and prefer to play for a foul rather than keep their feet.

Furthermore, some pundits have even accused these imports of introducing diving to England, a claim which is struggling to stand up in the wake of Steven Gerrard's controversial 'penalty' against Atletico Madrid recently.

Elano is one of several Brazilians at Eastlands, and he believes people should focus on the positive influence he and his compatriots have had on the Premier League.

"We are to help English football. I do not accept that they say that we dive too much in the field. That is not true," the former Santos star told the press.

"The Brazilians and the Portuguese have helped English football because before we came the game was only physical but now there is more touch and skill."

Elano backed up his claims last night with a stunning strike as Brazil romped to a 6-2 thrashing of Portugal.

Kieran Quentin