Gleiker Mendoza: It was a dream to play in Europe. And I am grateful to Kryvbas for making it come true

Venezuelan midfielder of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas Gleiker Mendoza answered the questions of the online publication Football.ua. The most relevant moments of the conversation are for your attention.

- Gleiker, let's start our conversation from the beginning. You were born in Santa Barbara del Colon, a city with a difficult reputation. What was your childhood like?

- My childhood was both fun and difficult. We constantly played football on the street, even when it was dangerous around. It was a difficult time, but for me it is one of the warmest memories in my life.

- Tell me about your parents.

- I have wonderful parents. Over the years, they became Christians, now both are pastors of the church. I am very proud of them.

- Describe the young Gleiker Mendoza.

- Not at all calm. He was hot-tempered, disobedient, often got into fights. In a word, very active (smiles).

- Do you remember the moment when you first picked up a ball? What did you feel then?

- Yes! My aunt gave it to me. Before that, we played with a ball made of paper and tape. And when I got a real one, it was a huge joy. I was six or seven years old at the time.

- What would your life be like without football? Do you see yourself, for example, in agriculture, which is famous in your region?

- I would probably serve in the army. I have always been interested in military affairs.

- What is the path of Venezuelan players to Europe?

- Very difficult, to be honest. There is a lot of talent, but few opportunities. You need not only skill, but also faith, discipline and a little luck.

- TOP-5 Venezuelan players of all time according to Mendoza?

- Salomon Rondon, Tomas Rincon, Jeffren Suarez, Juan Arango, Darwin Machis.

- And now the TOP-5 Latin American players of all time according to Mendoza?

- That's easy. Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Diego Maradona, Luis Suarez.

- How did the option with Kryvyi Rih Kryvyi Rih Kryvyi Rih arise?

- The offer came when I was at the national team's training camp. After a video meeting with the club's representatives, I immediately agreed without hesitation. Because I realized that Kryvyi Rih has big goals and ambitions.

- How difficult was it to make the decision to leave Latin America for a new challenge in Europe?

- No, it was my dream - to play in Europe. And I am grateful to Kryvyi Rih and everyone else that it came true.

- With a new challenge, new opportunities opened up: on January 18, 2025, you made your debut for the Venezuelan national team. Remember your emotions when you received an invitation to defend the colors of your country.

- It was a moment that you will never forget. Tears, pride, gratitude to God. Everything you dreamed of became a reality.

- A mini-diaspora of Venezuelan players has formed in Kryvbas. Did you know each other before?

- Yes, we are like a family. We spend time together, go to dinner, sometimes cook asado (a dish of fried meat, popular in Latin American countries). It helps a lot when you are far from home.

- What are your goals for this season?

- I want to become one of the best players in the UPL and help Kryvbas become a champion.

- How would you describe Patrick van Leeuwen?

- He is demanding and fair. He loves discipline, order and always helps players develop.

- Let's do it this way: TOP-5 Ukrainian players of all time according to Mendoza?

- (thoughtfully) Andrii Shevchenko, Serhii Rebrov, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Mykhailo Mudryk, Andrii Piatov.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih according to the materials Ukrfootball.ua