Sporting a bone through his nose, a jaguar’s tooth pendant, multicoloured feathers in his ears and tribal body tattoos, not many England fans would give credence to the footballing ‘expertise’ of Amazonian sorcerer Jaraquii.
But the striking indian ‘Paje’ believes England’s World Cup opener in nearby Manaus on Saturday will be cursed by Italy striker Mario Balotelli.
“Balotelli’s magic will help you beat the English,” Jaraquii, speaking to Italian domestic agency ANSA, said with a serious grin revealing a row of sparkling gold teeth.
“He (Balotelli) is like us coloured people. He’s not white, he’s not like (Argentina’s Lionel) Messi. That’s why we love him.”
He may not admit it, but Jaraquii’s preference may in part be inspired by his dislike for all things Anglo-Saxon.
“I’ve been like that since an obnoxious Englishman, or he might have been American -- they’re the same to me -- said that he was afraid of me and asked if there were cannibals.”
Grinning widely, he added: “I told him to keep quiet, because we ate them all.”
His love for Italy is just as potent but has been driven by his admiration for Roberto Baggio, the legendary Italy striker infamous for missing the deciding penalty in the 1994 World Cup final which handed the trophy to Brazil.
“In Manaus I’ll be supporting Italy. I’ve loved them since I was little,” said Batista.
“I am a native of this region, which has forest and wild beasts everywhere. But I’d give it all up if I could be Baggio.”
