Marcos Ceara is likely to play his 100th official match in a PSG top this weekend against Nancy. The perfect chance to catch up with the Brazilian and look back at his time in the French capital...

Marcos, what does it mean for you to be playing your 100th match in a PSG shirt?
“When I arrived, I never imagined I’d be playing 100 games for the club. Every player that plays in a big club like PSG dreams of playing 100 matches for their club. It’s great for me, I’m very happy and I hope to play well for my century game.”

You’ve only missed eight official matches since you debuted for the club. What do you put your consistency down to?
“First of all I thank God. He gives me the strength to play, to run. Thanks to him I haven’t had any injuries since I arrived in Paris. And that’s another reason why I’ve played a lot of games. I missed a few games last season because of the coach’s turnover and he wanted to give me a bit of a break. I want to keep going because I love playing week in, week out.”

How have you changed since your first match for PSG?
“I’m full of confidence now. It’s never easy when you sign for a new club and I didn’t speak a word of French. There was a lot pressure on me and it was tough. I think that’s the biggest difference. Now I know everyone and everyone knows me so it’s a lot better. I feel very comfortable out on the pitch and my aim is to keep playing well for PSG.”

During your first season and a certain PSG v Caen at the Parc des Princes, you tripped over the ball and that led to the only goal of the game for Caen. You were heavily criticised during that period. How did you deal with that to now be considered one of the best right-backs in Ligue 1?
“When I got home after that match, my daughter gave me a big hug and told me I was the best right-back in the world (smiles). In 2006, after our win in the Club World Cup with Internacional, a lot of people were saying I was the best right-back in the world. My daughter remembered that moment and that encouraged me. God also helped me. I turn to Him to face all of life’s big battles and challenges. It wasn’t easy but I think the future will keep getting better.”

What has been your favourite moment in a PSG shirt?
“The victory in the League Cup over Lens. I will remember that day for ever. Our matches against Olympique Lyonnais are also great memories for me. Last year I had a really great game at the Parc, and laid on the goal for Ludo Giuly. In five matches against Lyon, I always played pretty well, even in the French Cup final loss in 2008. They’re good memories for me.”

In less than one year the World Cup is taking place in South Africa. Do you think about playing for Brazil?
“I don’t have much time to get into the World Cup squad, but I’ll keep on dreaming. I work very hard out on the pitch hoping that one day I’ll get my chance. Every player’s dream is defend his country’s colours and I’m no different. To get the call from the coach, Carlos Dunga, first of all, I need to play well for PSG... then we’ll see.”

Games played for PSG: 2007/08 -. Ligue 1: 30; French Cup: 4; League Cup: 5 (39 matches) 2008/09 -. L1: 37; FC: 3; LC: 3; UEFA Cup: 9 (52 matches) 2009/10 -. L1: 7; LC: 1 (8 matches) Total for PSG: 99 matches out of 107 possible appearances. Ceara has missed just eight matches since his first appearance for PSG Source MK