New samba legend Thiago Carrico de Alevedo took the FIFA Interactive World Cup title in Zurich and afterwards could hardly contain his excitement about his victory. FIFA.com caught up with the new World Champion moments after his triumph to discover why the nerves are only just beginning for the 21-year-old student from Rio…

FIFA.com: Congratulations Thiago! Could you see yourself becoming the first FIFA Interactive World Champion?
Thiago Carrico de Alevedo: I was expecting to be in the top three players but not to win. I knew the Korean would be very good, but after I beat him in the semi-final I gained a lot of confidence for the final.

When did you hear about the tournament in Rio?
I played the FIFA game professionally for five years now so I always know when tournaments are happening. When I heard about the FIFA tournament I was really excited but then I heard that one of the preliminary tournaments was to be in Rio where I live, I knew this was my chance.

Selection of team and tactics is vital in EA SPORTS™ FIFA 2005 - why did you choose to play as France?
I chose France basically because of Thierry Henry. In previous FIFA games I used to play as Brazil but in this game, I think Henry is head and shoulders above all the other players. So I either play as France or Arsenal - here I just played as France, because I also rate Giuly and Trezeguet as great players and I don't like to play with Reyes, so I chose France.

What was your strategy for playing against AC Milan in the final?
Milan are a great team, with a really good defence so I decided to attack down the flanks. I got both goals in the final from crosses from the wings.

What does becoming the first FIFA Interactive World Champion mean to you?
Winning the title is really nice - it's great to be shown on television, plus it should attract a lot of attention from the people in Brazil because in Korea Republic and Japan the players are supported by a lot of sponsors - so this could help us with more sponsorship in my country.

You'll be receiving your award at the FIFA World Player Gala too…
I know, it's great! I'm really nervous about the gala though - getting up on stage, but I think it will be really cool if I could meet Ronaldinho. I love Ronaldo and Ronaldinho so it would be so really exciting to meet one of my favourite players.

Were your friends and family able to follow the final?
I brought my brother as my guest and my parents and friends were able to watch it live on FIFA.com!

You're obviously a fan of this new FIFA tournament…
Of course! But even if I hadn't won, it's a great idea to have a form of football where young people and old people can play together and you don't need to be in shape! I love the fact that you can play with players all over the world through the internet.

Will you be coming back in 2005?
I hope to enter again next year if I'm allowed!