Igor Thiago reveals close Rayan friendship ahead of Brentford vs Bournemouth clash

Brentford striker Igor Thiago has opened up on his close friendship with Bournemouth forward Rayan ahead of the two Brazilians going head-to-head in the Premier League this weekend.

The pair will temporarily put their friendship aside when Brentford face Bournemouth on Saturday. The Bees enter the fixture fifth in the table and unbeaten, while Bournemouth are still searching for their first league victory of the season.

However, their relationship away from football has become particularly strong since Rayan arrived in England, with Igor Thiago revealing the pair have even spent nights together talking over a Brazilian barbecue.

Igor Thiago explained that the Premier League and their involvement with the Brazil national team helped bring the two forwards together.

“[Our friendship started] thanks to the Premier League and the national team,” the Brentford striker said.

“He’s a fantastic kid who teaches me a lot through his simplicity and humility.

“He made our friendship genuine, and I have a lot of affection for him. I took him to my house, we had a barbecue and stayed up until the early hours talking.”

Their friendship developed particularly quickly after Rayan completed his move from Vasco da Gama to Bournemouth.

Igor Thiago had already spent around 18 months in England by that stage, giving Rayan a fellow Brazilian striker nearby as he adapted to life in the Premier League.

The relationship was strengthened further through their involvement with Brazil.

Both players were selected in Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad, and Igor Thiago had already discussed their friendship following the tournament.

The Brentford forward believes their connection is now one that will extend well beyond their playing careers.

“He’s someone I have a special affection for and, without a doubt, someone I’ll take with me for life,” Igor Thiago said.

The 25-year-old is equally impressed with what his Bournemouth counterpart can achieve on the pitch.

“He also has incredible qualities,” he added. “I had the opportunity to be with him in the national team, and he’s a kid who will still bring a lot of joy to our national team.”

There will be little room for sentiment once Saturday's Premier League encounter begins.

Brentford have enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign and sit fifth after maintaining their unbeaten record through the opening weeks of the season.

Bournemouth have endured a more difficult opening and enter the weekend in 15th place without a Premier League victory.

That makes the points particularly important for both clubs despite the friendship between their Brazilian forwards.

Igor Thiago will be determined to help Brentford preserve their unbeaten start, while Rayan will hope to play his part in delivering Bournemouth's first league win.

Igor Thiago's comments also underline the reputation Rayan is developing among his international teammates.

The former Vasco da Gama forward has already made the significant transition from Brazilian football to the Premier League, while his inclusion in the World Cup squad demonstrated his growing status at international level.

Igor Thiago clearly expects considerably more to come, backing his friend to become an important player for Brazil in the years ahead.

For one afternoon, however, their shared ambitions will have to be forgotten as Brentford and Bournemouth compete for three Premier League points.

Brentford will attempt to maintain their impressive unbeaten opening to the season and consolidate their position near the top of the Premier League.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, desperately need a victory to kick-start their campaign.

For Igor Thiago and Rayan, Saturday provides the unusual experience of facing a close friend at club level before their friendship resumes once the final whistle is blown.