Lucas Jorge – better known as the ‘Brazilian Canary’ by his extensive Twitter fan base – is the most passionate Norwich fan that’s never been to a game. Exiled in Brazil, he writes a blog, often in his first tongue Portuguese, while trying to connect to Norwich fans all over the world. His dream: the chance to land on English soil, and watch Norwich at Carrow Road. But living just short of 6000 miles from Norfolk, it is certainly a considerable commute to get to a game.
I (Seb Ward) caught up with Lucas, and he shared some insight into what it’s like being a Norwich fan, living so far from the nest.
Seb: Hello Lucas! I am very glad you agreed to talk to us today.
Lucas: It’s no problem!
S: We all know how much Norwich means to you now, but where did it all begin? Does the fact they play in yellow (Brazil) have anything to do with it?
L: It all started in the 2004-2005 season, where Norwich famously beat Manchester United 2-0 at Carrow Road. I recognised the passion of the fans, and the atmosphere at that game was incredible. I remember to this day the goals. Regarding the colours; Brazil has some influence, but what truly made me become a supporter of Norwich was the Yellow Army.
S: Do you have any friends who share your interest in Norwich, or is it just you? Do many people know about Norwich in Brazil?
L: Here in Brazil, my friends think I’m insane! They are accustomed to “being a fan” of famous teams – teams that do not have the difficulties of Norwich. But my friends greatly admire what I do. It may seem a lie, but if Norwich is known here, I have a great influence. I’ve already told my story to famous sites like globoesporte.com as well as on web radios. I like it. I feel proud.
S: Do you support a second team in Rio? So why did you want to support Norwich as well?
L: Beside Norwich, I am a fan of Flamengo. The reason for which is the crowd. They are fantastic – like the crowd of Norwich, who are fantastic too. This is a coincidence, but certainly a good one. For me, the passion for the club is most important. I feel that something is true. You live with the club, suffer with the club, and celebrate with the club.
S: Following Norwich is hard enough as it is, but from so far away, how do you manage it?
L: It’s complicated. But since Norwich’s return to the Premier League, Brazilian TV channels have started to show more and more games. When the game is not broadcasted, I use the internet or even Twitter. But it is rewarding. I have followed regularly since the 2009-10 season, where I was drawn in by the whole “Grant Holt era”. I saw some fantastic games, and learnt many things. For example, the song “On the ball, City!”.
S: How many Norwich shirts do you have?
L: I have two shirts – both from Norwich’s stay in the Premier League. I would like to have more, but, the exchange rate between the Real and the Pound is not helpful.
S: You mentioned there the ‘Holt era’, and I’m sure that will tie in with the next question – what’s been your favourite Norwich moments?
L: I have many favourite moments, but I would have to say the games against Ipswich (4-1 and 1-5), the game against Derby Co. (3-2), and the game against Manchester United. Oh, and the game between Norwich and Everton at Carrow Road where Grant Holt scored the winning goal after 93 minutes.
S: And who is your favourite player? Current and past/all-time?
Currently, my favourite player is Ruddy. It links back to the fact I was always goalkeeper when I was younger and I understand how hard it is to defend a team. I really hope he stays in Norwich – I want him to sign my gloves one day!
Hmm…my favourite player of all time… I know that Norwich has many legends, but I will only speak of what I know and have experienced. Therefore it must be Grant Holt – he is another player that I would like to know! I’m sure there’s many in the past that I have missed, but I didn’t see them play. I’m sure they honoured and built the story of Norwich City FC.
S: You generally watch the games on TV – but now we’ve been relegated, there will be less coverage. What will you do if you can’t watch all the games this season in the Championship?
That is my biggest fear.
With Norwich being relegated it will be extremely difficult for me to watch the Canaries. There will be little transmission of the Championship games on TV. But, anyway, I’ll try to watch as much as I can, but I may not always be able too. That won’t stop me, though!
S: Living in Brazil, the World Cup must have swallowed you up even more than the rest of us – describe the atmosphere in Rio during the games. If Brazil were to win, would it be better than Norwich winning the Championship next season?
Great question. But rather about the atmosphere that the Rio de Janeiro lives, it’s amazing, it’s the first time I see something so great here. I’m only 19, so I’m easily impressed.
L: If Brazil win the World Cup, will be a party of millions and I will be part of it. However, I’ve seen Brazil win the World Cup, I already know that feeling. But, to see Norwich winning a title, either, FA Cup, Championship, League Cup – that would be fantastic.
S: How much would it mean to you if you were able to come to England for a Norwich game? What would be your perfect game – Ipswich at home (the derby)?
L: That, to me, would be the realisation of a dream. And yes, it [the derby] would be the perfect game against at Carrow Road. I imagine it almost everyday.
S: That in mind then, what was your reaction to the Twitter campaign attempting to grab the Club’s attention, and get you to the UK for a game?
L: I was really happy and very moved by what the fans were doing. Never had I seen so many people do something so cool for me! Travelling to Norwich is a dream! Arriving at Carrow Road to see a game … it’s all a dream to me. I love Norwich and the Norwich fans too. I am eternally grateful.
Unfortunately, I do not like traveling, nor do my parents have that much money to spare; they already paid for my college education, and as I have not started interning, I haven’t the money myself. Even if I were to start now, I wouldn’t make much money – certainly not enough. So because of that, the only way I travel to Norwich, is if the Club would offer to pay for my trip like so many fans suggested.
Some fans even offered to pay for your trip!
Yes, but I do not want the fans do crazy things for me. I am however, eternally grateful for the fans – that’s why I stop to say ‘thank you’ to everyone on Twitter.
If I were able to travel to Norwich, I promise to dye my hair green and yellow!
I’ll hold you to that! Thank you very much for your time.
