Tuto

Livonir Ruschel, known as Tuto (born 2 July 1979) is a Brazilian former professional footballer.

In an interview published by Jornal da Fronteira, Livonir Ruschel told her story, as follows below.

Livonir Ruschel, better known as Tuto, had a brilliant career that took him to big clubs in Brazil and around the world.

Born in the interior of Dionísio Cerqueira, in the Peperi community, he started playing for his community club, Palmeiras do Peperi.

Tuto's journey began early, at the age of thirteen, when he joined Palmeiras Peperi. His family always supported him, making sacrifices to nurture his dream of becoming a football player. This dedication from his family left a deep mark on his journey.

His career not only allowed him to realize his own dreams, but also provided a better life for his family, more comfort for his parents and education for his sisters.

Professionally, he was hired to play for Gloria, in Vacaria-RS, a club that opened the doors that led him to play in Japan. For nine years he played for five Japanese clubs, having won many titles on the other side of the world.

Returning to Brazil, I played for Ponte Preta for one season and was signed by a team in Jerusalem. He returned to play in Brazil, and almost at the end of his career, he returned for a season in Japan. Finally, he retired playing for Chapecoense.

His passion for football was always present, even when he decided to end his playing career.

Over the years, Tuto has faced significant challenges, including serious injuries such as the one he suffered to his right knee. However, his unwavering determination pushed him to recover and return to the field pain-free.

After returning to live in the tri-border, Tuto has played in several municipal championships, such as in Barracão, Dionísio Cerqueira, and practically all other cities in the region.

Tuto emphasized the importance of the many mentors who supported his career, allowing him to play professional football. His rise was remarkable, starting at youth level and progressing to professional football. In Japan, he had to fight for his place in the team, but with notable performances, he secured his position as a starter.

Adapting to Japan represented a significant challenge for Tuto, especially considering his origins in a small Brazilian town. He had to learn to deal with a totally different culture, facing challenges related to food and everyday life. However, he praised the receptiveness and generosity of the Japanese people, highlighting the crucial role of his coach in his adaptation.

Tuto also shared his impressions of the culture of Japanese fans, who were polite and respectful, even when the team lost. He mentioned an incident where Japanese fans picked up trash after a game, demonstrating their civility. This experience left a strong impression on him, highlighting the values ​​of education and respect in Japanese culture.

After his time in Japan, Tuto received an offer to play for Ponte Preta in the 2006 Brazilian Championship, where he performed excellently, becoming one of the top scorers in the Brasileirão.

Today, Tuto is a businessman, married and with three children, where he maintains his involvement with sport. As a result of a promise, he decided that 2023 will be the last year in which he will participate in regional and local championships, effectively ending his career on the pitch^[1].