It’s a special relationship developed over decades: Bayer 04 is an attractive choice for players born on the other side of the Atlantic – who have helped to shape the club and make it successful. In particular, the "Bayer Brazilians" have become an identifiable group with 23 players having come to Leverkusen from the biggest country in South America – and many of them developed here into world stars and World Cup winners. It's a unique number in the Bundesliga with FC Bayern, for example, 'only' having had 13 Brazilian players to date.
Wendell and Paulinho are the two Brazilians in the current squad. In addition, there is the Chilean captain Charles Aránguiz, the two Argentinians Lucas Alario and Exequiel Palacios, the unfortunately long-term absentee from Colombia Santiago Arias plus the Jamaican Leon Bailey who make up the American contingent at the Werkself. They are all Americans, even if that concept in Germany and Europe is mostly erroneously used solely for inhabitants of the USA – which is often met with a clearly visible rolling of the eyes in South and Central America. "We all live on the American continent and are all Americans," is often heard then.
There is great solidarity amongst theses players – as has already been seen this season. When Arias was playing for Colombia and suffered a broken leg and torn ligaments in his left ankle, there was a huge wave of sympathy. Alario, scorer of the winner in the 1-0 victory at Mainz, spoke on behalf of the whole team after the win against FSV: "We've won this game for Santi. It was a heavy blow for him but also for the whole team. Hopefully that helps him on the long way back. We're all crossing our fingers."
Arias, who is expected to be sidelined for around six months, was moved by the emotional message from his teammates who had only played alongside wants in the Bundesliga before that. "What's coming will be tough. Bayer 04 have given me lots of support, shown me that I'm important and that gives me strength. I promise I'll work hard to come back soon and stronger to wear the colours of Colombia and my club Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Thank you." The right-back, on loan from Atletico Madrid, underwent an operation in the Spanish capital with eleven screws being put into his leg. A serious operation.
In Charles Aránguiz, Arias has a perfect contact at Bayer 04 – and not just because of speaking the same language. The Chilean also had a tough time after signing for Bayer 04, having to battle with an Achilles injury before rediscovering his old form and this season he became captain of the Werkself.
It's one of the many success stories written by Americans in Leverkusen – and the fans can look forward to many more.
This article comes from the Werks11 Magazine #28. The latest edition was posted out to Bayer 04 Club members last week and it will appear on Bayer04.de in the coming days.
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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