Brazil's female soccer star, Marta, openly scrutinized the country's structure and infrastructure regarding soccer facilities.
The athlete was elected the 2006 and 2007 most valuable player in women's soccer by FIFA. Despite criticisms, Marta looks forward to participating in the 2016 Olympic Games in which Rio de Janeirois in contention to be the host city.
The athlete stated that Brazil's structure of the sport for female soccer is a shame. She believes that she never would have achieved the level of play she has if she had not left the country to play and train abroad.
"Prejudice, lack of structure, lack of options of where to play and where to develop -- all these factors restrict women's soccer in Brazil. I think that if I would have stayed in Brazil, I would have never won the title of best player in the world. You have to have a good location to train, be able to play in a competitive league and to be seen in order to win the award. This is only possible abroad," said Marta.
Regarding the 2016 Games, the athlete said, "I hope the event takes place on Brazilian soil. I hope to be able to play. I am definitely rooting for Rio de Janeiro to win the dispute among candidate cities. My dream is to be able to play in the Olympics here in Rio."
Marta also said that she may soon leave her professional team in Sweden. She has received an offer from a women's team in the United States. She would be part of an attempt to popularize a professional women's league there.
Source: Xinhua
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