Hernanes: I love reading the Bible, so I am called a prophet. The World Cup was the most disappointing after being beaten 7-1 by Germany.

Former Lazio, Inter Milan, Juventus and Brazil national team midfielder Hernanes recently accepted an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. He talked about his nickname, club career, World Cup experience and other topics.

"My wife calls me a nickname that only we two know." The 40-year-old prophet said, "Today's football requires more dedication from players. In the past, players like me who relied on imagination to play football just passed people, and now they have to defend. I am an inspirational and anarchist, and I don't like to take orders. Whether in Lazio, Inter Milan, Juventus, Sao Paulo or the national team, I have always been myself."

Have you always been called a "prophet"?

"No, in Itambe, a sandy place deep in the countryside of Brazil, I was known as the 'child of the sugar plantation.' Later my nickname became 'Prophet' because I always quoted passages from the Bible."

How did your faith come about?

"When I was playing at St. Paul's, a teammate and I went to church. The pastor's words touched my heart. From then on, I started reading the Bible."

Which passage best represents you?

"Isaiah Chapter 30 Verse 15: 'In return and rest you will be saved; in quietness and stability will be your strength.' My career is an example: I had no strength in my legs since I was a child and couldn't run well, but I improved through training. In addition, I decided to become a left-hander. I wanted to be as elegant as them, so I wrote with my left hand, and I also switched to my left foot for corner kicks and free kicks."

How is your experience at Inter Milan?

"It made sense. I went there to stay with the Nerazzurri for life and win the Serie A title, but it didn't turn out that way. The only thing I regret is the somersault celebration after the goal against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, and Lottie said selling me was a good deal."

In the end you won the Scudetto with Juventus.

"Juventus is like a company. Allegri asked me to play as a defensive midfielder: I didn't like it, but my view of football changed there. Juventus was the strongest team I played for, and I remember the indestructible BBC combination, and the wonderful moments of Chiellini, Mandzukic and Higuain. Higuain came to Juventus The transfer fee was 90 million euros, but he didn't score in the preseason. I thought: 'How is this possible? ' Suddenly, he scored 3 goals in 3 minutes in a training match. He was phenomenal. I left Serie A because I was no longer in Allegri's plan."

The most disappointing thing?

"In the 2014 World Cup, we were beaten 7-1 by Germany. We relied on Neymar that time, we underestimated the Germans, and we made the mistake of being arrogant." (Note: Neymar missed this game due to injury)

Do you feel you are underestimated?

"I got everything my ability guaranteed me. Inter Milan paid 15 million euros to buy me, but obviously at today's market price, I will be more expensive."

Who is the strongest player you have ever played with?

"Ronaldinho. We once participated in the 2008 Olympics. He has a pure aura, and that's what social media says about him now, right?"