In addition to being a world basketball legend, Shaquille O’Nealafter his retirement, he adopted new projects.
The NBA star is now a commentator and businessman. He was in Brazil and stated that he liked the country and revealed that he wants to return more often.
No program CNN Esportes S/A This Sunday (5), Shaq also spoke about his friendship with Vitor Belfort, a Brazilian fighter.
I’m happy to be in Brazil. People have been very kind and respectful to me. I love it and want to go back.
The former basketball player said he met Vitor Belfort in a funny way, with him doing a “naked choke”. This sparked a desire to fight in the North American, and currently, Shaq practices mixed martial arts.
The first Brazilian I met was Vitor Belfort. I was in Hawaii at a Lakers practice when he jumped on my back and put me in a rear naked choke. I thought we were going to fight! And he said: “No, no, I’m from Brazil, I’m your fan.” He had two tickets and said, “I want you to come see me fight.” I asked, “Are you a fighter?” He replied: “Yes, I do MMA.” And I: “What is MMA?” I went to watch from the front row, and he beat a guy my size in about 15 seconds. Since then we have been friends. In fact, I accompanied him as he entered the MMA Hall of Fame.
Passionate about culture
Regarding his relationship with Brazil, Shaq said that he loves Brazilian culture and that he played with two incredible Brazilians in the NBA: Leandro Barbosa and.
It’s my second time in Brazil. I love the Brazilian people, I love Brazilian culture. I played with two incredible Brazilians: Leandro Barbosa and Anderson Varejão.
During the interview, the star also explained how he became a successful businessman and evaluated changes in the NBA’s style of play. O’Neal also answered if he would give any advice to Brazilian players and revealed that he loves Racionais MC’s.
To complete the conversation about basketball, this Sunday’s program also features Rodrigo Montoro, president of the NBB, who detailed the All-Star Game and the future of the league in Brazil.
CNN Esportes S/A will air this Sunday (05), at 9:15 pm (Brasília time), on CNN Brasil and on CNN Esportes YouTube.
CNN Esportes S/A
With Shaquille O’Neal, world cup legend, and Rodrigo Franco Montoro, president of , CNN Esportes S/A reaches its 133rd edition. Presented by João Vitor Xavier, the program goes behind the scenes of a market that moves billions and is one of the most profitable in the world: sport.
On the agenda, the hottest topics in the football world industry, from the perspective of economics and business.
