There’s no need to question Nene’s love for his country.
Nene frequently donates time and money to charities and plans to work at a church there once his playing days are over. Despite all of that, Brazilians are frustrated with the lack of participation Nene has displayed for the national team.
To Nene’s credit, he did play in the 2012 Olympics in London but that was one of the rare occurrences. The big man doesn’t agree with a lot of the politics and isn’t too fond of the low level insurance covering the players.
The Brazilians got their chance to voice their displeasure as Washington and Chicago squared off.
Nene didn’t seem phased by the boos.
“I don’t have to defend myself because I didn’t steal, I didn’t kill and I didn’t rob.
“Sometimes people try to create a bad situation when one doesn’t exist, but I know everything was the best that could be done,” Nene continued, speaking through a Portuguese interpreter. “I’m here as an example. I know I’m a role model to many people. What I was able to conquer, the people can’t take away from me. That’s one of the reasons basketball has a problem developing in Brazil, but I’m sure that in the future it will be able to grow.”