The Venezuelan Michael Carrera spent the first years of his life under the three posts of a soccer goal, as a goalkeeper bored with playing this sport every afternoon that he shared with his neighbors, but that did not entertain him like basketball.
“For three years I played soccer, it was boring being a goalkeeper. Basketball was more fun and when I saw the talent I had for playing it, I switched. I was little, what I wanted was to play soccer, what my neighbors did for my house,” the two-time World Cup winner for Venezuela and who is originally from Barcelona, Anzoátegui state, explained to EFE.
His change of sport may have deprived his country of a goalkeeper who is 1.96 meters tall, with agility and strength in his arms, but instead it gave him a power forward who has helped Venezuela qualify for the last two World Cups. world.
His approach to basketball came from his father, Luis ‘Nené’ Carrera, who was a professional for more than a decade and his main teacher.
Natural talent
His father brought out the natural talent with which he was born for the sport of burst, which has turned him into a tough and reliable defender, which is why the Argentine Nicolás Casalánguida signed him in the Red Devils of Mexico that will play in the basketball semifinals. Mexican against the Mexicali Soles.
“I have felt good in the Devils. “I have some incredible colleagues who have helped me adapt, accepting my role, knowing that it is a different role than the one I have normally had, but look, we have a great team, with experience,” Carrera said.
His friendship with Casalánguida, who was an assistant for the Venezuelan team in the last World Cup, and the Reds project, which debuted this year in basketball, after 84 years of life with one of the most important franchises in Mexican baseball, They were brought to the country for the second time, after being in the Soles in 2018.
Present of Venezuela
Carrera believes that the present of the Venezuelan team is positive, despite the fact that it has not qualified for an Olympic tournament since Rio de Janeiro 2016 and that in the last World Cup it was in second to last place, however the powerful defender admitted that to get up to speed At the height of Latin American powers such as Argentina and Brazil, they must once again export players to the NBA.
“Of the 160 countries in the world ranking we are 25th, that is a great achievement for Venezuela. Going higher is complicated because those at the top have players in the NBA and Euroleague, we also have to take that step of getting those players who want to represent our country, who are developing and who may not be right now, at some point. “It will be better in a few years,” said Carrera.
Mexico City / EFE
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**Interview with Michael Carrera: From Soccer Goals to Basketball Glory**
**Editor:** Michael, it’s great to have you here! You’ve had quite an interesting journey from soccer to basketball. Can you tell us what motivated you to make that switch?
**Michael Carrera:** Thanks for having me! Growing up, I spent a lot of time as a goalkeeper in soccer, but honestly, it was pretty boring for me. I wanted something more exciting. When I discovered basketball, I realized I had a natural talent for it, and it just felt like the right fit.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! Did your surroundings influence your decision? It sounds like everyone you knew was playing soccer.
**Michael Carrera:** Definitely! My neighbors were all into soccer, and I felt a bit pressured to join in. But once I started playing basketball, I could see that it was where my true passion lay. Plus, my father’s influence played a huge role. He was a professional basketball player, so I was inspired by him and wanted to follow in his footsteps.
**Editor:** Speaking of your father, how significant was his role in your development as a basketball player?
**Michael Carrera:** He was everything. He taught me the fundamentals and instilled a strong work ethic in me. His experience and knowledge of the game helped shape my skills and understanding of basketball. I owe a lot to him for where I am today.
**Editor:** It seems like that switch of sports turned out to be a great decision! You’ve had the honor of representing Venezuela in two World Cups. What does that achievement mean to you?
**Michael Carrera:** It means the world to me. Playing for my country is a dream come true. I feel a deep sense of pride every time I put on that jersey. It’s also a reminder of the journey I took to get here, and I hope to inspire young athletes back home to chase their dreams, no matter how unconventional their paths might be.
**Editor:** That’s an inspiring message! Lastly, what’s next for you? Any future goals you’d like to share with us?
**Michael Carrera:** I aim to keep improving my game and continue representing Venezuela on the international stage. I also want to give back to the community, especially in basketball, by helping young players develop their skills. There’s so much talent out there, and I want to be part of nurturing that.
**Editor:** Thank you, Michael! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and we look forward to following your journey!
**Michael Carrera:** Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
