Brazilian midfielder on settling at Carrow Road, the joy of taking his dogs to East Anglian beaches and preparing for the playoffs
One way or another, the chances are Norwich supporters have been taken aback by Gabriel Sara since he swapped São Paulo for Norfolk two years ago. Most likely because of the Brazilian’s tigerish performances in midfield, a major driver behind Norwich’s push to return to the Premier League with a double-header against Leeds the hurdle between them and the Championship playoff final. Maybe by his infectious smile or his near-flawless English.
Perhaps they have spotted him paddle boarding in Great Yarmouth or preventing his Alaskan malamute, Baloo, named after the Jungle Book bear, from haring after the seals on Horsey beach. “It was kind of dangerous because he was trying to swim to catch them,” Sara says. “I was like: ‘I’m not going to be doing this again! He is almost 10 months old and 36kg, growing all the time.” Sometimes Sara takes his three dogs to the park for a kickaround of sorts. “They have their own formation: 3 v 1,” the 24-year-old says, laughing. “On days off I like to walk, I like the sea. I’m still learning how to surf but I have to wait for the season to finish before I can do that.”
