Luis Fabiano hoping for derby boost

There are currently few strikers as prolific as Luis Fabiano. The numbers speak for themselves. The 27-year-old has scored four times in six UEFA Champions League appearances and leads the Primera División chart with ten strikes. He has also been knocking in the goals for Brazil, most recently registering twice in a 2-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory against Uruguay in November. Luis Fabiano, who broke the deadlock for Sevilla in their 2006 UEFA Cup final triumph over Middlesbrough FC, counts São Paulo FC, Stade Rennais FC and FC Porto among his former clubs but, as he admits in this Q and A with uefa.com readers, he has never had it so good.

Can you explain why you are having such a wonderful season compared to last year when you weren't such a key player for Sevilla?
Noam

Luis Fabiano: I think it's a consequence of the fact I have had the chance to play more often this season. Both managers have given me more support and that's led to my form improving. I must say I didn't expect to be leading the Liga scoring charts though. It's a nice feeling, but my priority is to help Sevilla catch the leaders and qualify for next year's UEFA Champions League.

What do you think is Sevilla's main problem in the Spanish league, where you have not had such good results, compared with the amazing campaign Sevilla are having in the UEFA Champions League?
Marcela

Luis Fabiano: I wish I knew, so we could fix things faster. I don't really think there is an explanation apart from the fact that these things happen in football. It certainly annoyed the players that we were doing so badly in La Liga while doing really well in Europe. However, there's a long way to go in La Liga and we can turn things around.

How important is it to kick off the year with victory in the derby against Real Betis Balompié?
Frank, Los Angeles

Luis Fabiano: It's one of those games the supporters always want you to win and things will be no different this time. Three points would be a precious lift. It will be a difficult match because Betis are in a very bad position in the table and need the points and a psychological boost. This might be one of the most important derbies of recent years.

How hard was it for Sevilla to adjust to the departure of coach Juande Ramos, who had brought such success to the club?
David Nunez, Murcia

Luis Fabiano: The manager's departure was certainly unexpected and that had some impact for us players. But the group has managed to turn things around a bit. As for me, I didn't feel any great problem in my game. Having said that, it was sad to see Ramos go. He was very important for my adaptation to European football, making me more tactically versatile. Learning how to play without the ball is one of the main challenges for Brazilian strikers who move abroad.

Would you ever consider leaving Sevilla? If so, why?
Lorenzo Ramos

Luis Fabiano: I am happy at Sevilla and have a contract with the club until 2009. But it would be hypocritical of me to pretend I wouldn't feel flattered by an offer from bigger European clubs. It would be a reward for my work in Spain. At the moment, I would like to stay in this country, but I could see myself playing in Italy or England someday. It would be lovely to win more major trophies with Sevilla before that though. Especially La Liga.

How hard was it to focus on playing after the tragic death of your team-mate Antonio Puerta?
Rodrigo, Mexico

Luis Fabiano: It was a serious blow to us and the worst moment of my career. Antonio was a great guy and I have great memories of the two years we spent as team-mates. There is not one day we don't miss him.

Was it hard to get back into the Brazil squad after such a long time out? I saw your game against Uruguay, you were awesome.
Marcel Perez

Luis Fabiano: If you asked me a question about returning to the Brazil squad a few months ago I would have said it was as unlikely as Santa dropping by at my house in Sevilla. I didn't expect to have a chance. Although I know an injury to a team-mate opened the door for me, I couldn't be happier with what happened: two goals in a World Cup qualifier at Morumbi Stadium, the ground I used to play at so many times wearing the São Paulo shirt. It was a dream.

To me you are perhaps the greatest striker to play at Sevilla. Who are the top three players in the world right now?
Khalil Wassouf

Luis Fabiano: Thanks for the compliment! But I still have much to learn and to do. My favourite players in the world now are the ones who actually made it to the final three at the FIFA World Player of the Year event: Kaká, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. You might think I'm biased picking out Kaká as we played together for São Paulo, but he truly deserved the prize. He had such a wonderful season. There isn't another player who is as quick and strong at the same time.

Read the second half of Luis Fabiano's Q and A with uefa.com users next Friday. In the meantime, please send us your questions for Arsenal FC midfielder Gilberto and AC Milan wonderkid Pato by clicking on their name. In your emails please remember to tell us your name and where you live.