Wolfsburg's cult hero spoke to German sports magazine kicker about the Wolves current side, as well as the title triumph in 2009 and his career as a whole.
The Brazilian forward is now plying his trade with Al-Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, but he still finds time to look his beloved German side play, "Of course. If possible, I look a lot of games. I am happy that everything is going well with VfL and that the club is in second." Wolfsburg are currently eleven points behind Bayern Munich and have enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2014/15 season.
When asked about whether the Lower Saxony team can overhaul Pep Guardiola's side, Grafite remained positive, "I see an opportunity. Sure, the Bavarians are very strong and certainly a step ahead, but it is important that Wolfsburg have continued to play good football," he said, with Wolfsburg hosting Bayern on the opening day of the Rückrunde. "Hopefully Wolfsburg win [against Bayern] and thus develop a dynamic. Then everything is possible."
This season, unlike the title winning season, goals have been somewhat difficult to come by. Naldo and Ivica Olic are the top-scorers with five goals each; although when Edin Dzeko and Grafite led the line, they managed a combined total of fifty-four and broke the Bundesliga record. The Brazilian forward has full confidence in the current Wolfsburg attack, "I am convinced that they also now have good players in attack. But if you can still improve in this area, why not?"
In fact, Grafite thinks that the entire team and coach are on the road to success, "Now, I believe that Wolfsburg are on the right track. The squad is filled with many good players, with Dieter Hecking they have a good coach, that everyone can see on the pitch. So far they have played a strong season - I hope it continues."
When he was asked about the title win in 2009, he was ecstatic, "Joy, a lot of joy. It was a fantastic year for everyone who was involved in this triumph. A great run with the title at the end. Unforgettable!" Wolfsburg were never able to build on that win in 2009 and establish themselves as a constant contender, but Grafite says that's the nature of the Bundesliga, "You know, the Bundesliga is an incredibly demanding league. In the past five years, Wolfsburg, Dortmund and Bayern have won the title. It is not easy to dominate. Following our success there were some changes that did not work. But now everything seems good."
Life at the minute is equally good in the UAE, as Grafite continues to score goals for fun, "It's beautiful! My family is happy, I am enjoying my time here a lot and in a sporting sense. In the past three years we have had a lot of success." Though, now thirty-five, he realised that his footballing career could soon be coming to an end, "I would have still like to be active in two years. We'll see what happens.."
Grafite has enjoyed a glittering career, winning the Bundesliga title, top goal-scorer and Player of the Year while in Germany. He also lays claim to a Copa Libertadores, a World Club Cup and the Brazilian Championship in his time with Sao Paulo. While with Al-Ahli, he's collect a further five winners' medals, something he is proud of, "I am very happy with my career. I worked hard to be as good as possible. I have always tried to help my team and be successful."
While his playing career is almost over, he would like to return to Germany and stay within the game in some capacity, "I'd like to do something for Wolfsburg, to help in any form whatsoever. If they welcome me with open arms, I would love to be part of this club."
Quotes and credit to kicker and Thomas Hiete.