Sammir wants to redeem himself in Lyon

Dinamo Zagreb's Brazilian-born midfielder Sammir is hoping for a better performance in the Champions League against Lyon on Tuesday than he gave at home to Real Madrid earlier this month.

"I admit, it was not the real me against Real. If I was at my usual level, maybe we would remain undefeated. I still regret it," said the 24-year-old of the 1-0 loss to the Spanish giants in Zagreb.

Although it was not an easy win for Real Madrid, Sammir, considered Dinamo Zagreb's key player, was not at his top level.

"The rest of the team played very well and I'm convinced that we can repeat that in Lyon. I believe that we can earn a point, although we are going for a victory," he said.

"I believe I will redeem myself in Lyon, that I will be much better. Lyon are a big team, but Real's defence is much better.

"I feel much better than against Real, I feel that I will play a good match in Lyon. Not only me but the whole team," the former Brazil under-19 player added.

Sammir joined Dinamo Zagreb in 2006 and a procedure to grant him Croatian citizenship is underway. If he gets it, Sammir will become the second Brazilian, after former Arsenal striker Eduardo, to play for Croatia.

With Dinamo Zagreb, has Sammir won five national championships and four national cups.