Brazil’s silver medal campaign at the WCH had a special flavor for William Arjona, as the WCH medal was the only accolade missing in his prestigious career. Finally reaching that goal has made the player, now 39 years of age, ponder retirement, just like his teammate Lipe, although William himself is less sure of what his future holds according to his interview to Globo.com:
“This is a difficult time. The national team is a place of great pride for me. I see that jersey with a huge pride. I have a great honor in it. Now I need to reflect and talk to the family. They have given up a lot for me to realize my dreams. So now is the time to sit down and talk. It’s hard to say no to the national team, but I can not be selfish either. There is still a question mark. I’ll think it over. It’s a very complicated decision. Whenever I can help the national team I will be available.
I’m 39, but physically very well. I did not have any serious injuries. I can play longer. I’ll keep doing my job. I have much to evolve. I have not yet reached my peak. This is my incessant quest for excellence. Of course things will happen. I know you have good players coming to my position. There is a natural renewal. I believe that this is the natural way things happen. Thiago Veloso today is the third setter of the national team. He is Aaguy who has a really good game reading. He is a boy that already commands a team in the Superliga. He is the main name to take over the position in the future, although we have a lot of guys contending for it.”
William, although a back up to Bruninho throughout the tournament, had a major impact in the team’s performance, playing major minutes when the team needed the most. Furthermore, there has always been a clamor in Brazilian volleyball circles demanding him to start over his over more famous counterpart Bruninho. His success in Brazil’s domestic league captaining Cruzeiro, and now Sesi, plays a huge role in that demand.
If William indeed decides to stay in the team, Brazil’s setter tandem will continue to be one of the best in the world and the team will clearly have an advantage among its opponents during the preparatory phases for the Tokyo Olympics.
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