"This is one of the best generations Angola has had in recent times"
Flashscore: We're just a few weeks away from the start of another AFCON, which will be the third edition for you. I'd like to start by asking what the outlook is for this tournament?
Fredy: "The expectations are based on what we really want to do: try to improve on what we did last year.
"My first AFCON didn't go so well; we ended up going out in the group stage, and there was a lot of confusion behind the scenes, so I didn't have high expectations either.
"But the last one was very good. People didn't expect much from us, but we managed to exceed those expectations. We reached the quarter-finals, which was lovely! We managed to bring the Angolan people closer to the national team again, a connection that had been missing for a few years.
"This year, we want to continue on that path and, if possible, go even further."
And what does it mean, in more personal terms, to lead the Angolan national team at this championship?
"It's very flattering. I've been with the national team for about ten years now, almost eleven. Coming from where I come from, going through the difficulties I've faced with my colleagues, I've always felt that, despite having good squads, a lot was missing: more unity, more mutual help, and more players truly feeling what it is like to represent Angola, even in the face of difficulties.
"At the moment, being able to lead - not alone, but together with my colleagues, because we have several players who have been working together for a long time - is something very special. More than that, it means helping to prepare for the future, so that the players of the next generations arrive better prepared and can try to achieve even more."
You said last year that this was Angola's most talented generation. Do you still believe that? And what can we expect from you and your teammates?
"Yes, I stand by that. When we were knocked out by Nigeria last time, I said exactly that to my teammates in the circle we had at the end.
"I told them how proud I was of what we'd managed to build. Many of those youngsters had been at the U17 World Cup two or three years ago, and from that World Cup team, we now have six or seven important players with us: Beni, Domingos, Maestro, Zini, Zito and also Capita, who is doing very well. These are players who have shown their worth, and it was very positive that they came to Europe, where they grew up, gained tactical knowledge and developed physically.
"That's why I still believe that this is one of the best generations Angola have had in recent times. Without belittling the work of the previous generations - not least because I haven't followed everything they've done - but this generation I see with very, very positive eyes."
"Messi is art"
In the last break, you had the opportunity to play Argentina, the world champions. What was that like?
"It was a completely different game. It was the 50th anniversary of our country's independence, and that alone was reason to celebrate and want to be with our people, to celebrate and try to do something unprecedented. To have the privilege of facing the world champions and playing Messi, a player who has proven to be one of the best - in my opinion, the best I've seen play - was unique. It will remain in our memories forever.
"It also turned out to be very positive, because we gave a very good response. Even though it was against Argentina, it was a preparation match for AFCON. We have a new coach; we spent many years with Mr Pedro (Goncalves) and he has since gone his separate ways; now we're assimilating the ideas of the new coach (Patrice Beaumelle) and I think we've shown a very positive image.
"The Argentinian players themselves have recognised this, as has their coach. And that's exactly the path we have to keep following."
And how was it in the meeting with the refereeing team at the start: Fredy on one side and someone like Lionel Messi on the other?
"It was an eternal moment for me. Having the chance to play against the best is every footballer's dream. It made a huge impression on me because, as I said, he's a player I admire deeply. I don't just see Messi as football; for me, Messi is art. What he does on the pitch is extraordinary.
"And he was an example to many of the players there, just as he was to me. So to be able to share that moment with him was truly unforgettable."
The big question is: how is his shirt and where is it?
"The shirt is clean and under lock and key. Many of my friends even joke: 'When I come to your house, you'd better keep it safe.' But it's safe. It's a special memory. The moment itself is eternal, but to have had the privilege of exchanging shirts with Messi is something unique.
"For my children, for example, it was incredible. When I arrived - at dawn - and they saw the shirt the next morning, they were thrilled. Maybe they don't quite realise what it means yet, but it was a remarkable moment. It's something I'll treasure forever and, in a few years' time, I'll be able to tell my grandchildren about it and show them this special moment."
Were there any jokes from your teammates saying, 'Messi's shirt is for me'?
"Not really. At the hotel, many of us asked if we could have a moment with him before the game, but the level of security was very high, everything was extremely tightly controlled, to avoid that riot of players asking for things and bothering us.
"Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to have that contact with Messi or with other players before the game. There was a lot of separation in the hotel; some of them crossed paths, but it was only a matter of seconds.
"Everyone wanted to have that moment, of course, and I took the opportunity right at the coin toss to ask him. But yes, it was something everyone would have liked to have experienced."
Did he agree to the request straight away?
"Yes. The moment I spoke to him, he showed incredible humility. You really realise that he's not just the player we all see, but also an extraordinary person. He was very open and available. Even during the game... he always remained calm, always with a smile. It was great to see that."
"The aim is to try and reach the semi-finals"
From the images we've seen of recent editions, AFCON is always an event full of emotion. The people vibrate immensely and there are some absolutely fantastic moments. How do you feel the Angolan people are for this edition?
"I often say this, even if some people don't agree: I think it is one of the most fervent continental competitions there is. We African people have a very intense way of experiencing happiness and great moments; we are emotional, vibrant, and AFCON is all about that: celebration, joy and incredible passion.
"The Angolan people, by nature, are already like that, so everyone is very excited for this edition. We also have a very demanding people who will want a lot from us.
"And I really believe that the Ivorian AFCON was spectacular: the organisation, everything. We had nothing to complain about; they gave us all the conditions to just focus on the pitch. And I think the one in Morocco will be even better, given what the country has shown in recent years - the development of football, the infrastructure, the conditions on offer. Many teams that can't afford to play in their own countries already use Morocco for that very reason.
"The Moroccan people are also a bit like the Turkish people: they live football with great intensity. What's more, we're close to Europe; I even joke that if I dive into this side of the pool in Portugal, I come out the other side in Morocco. That's why I believe there will be a lot of people - African descendants as well as Europeans - and that all eyes in the world will be on this AFCON."
In the last edition, you equalled Angola's best-ever finish in the competition: the quarter-finals, where you were eliminated by Nigeria. Can the Angolan people dream of a little more in this edition?
"It's always good to dream. We want that too; we want to do even better. We've evened the record, but with one important difference: in the past, there was no round of 16, you went straight through to the quarters. This time we've equalled the result, but we've played an extra game.
"Right now, our main objective is to try and reach the semi-finals. And if we get there, third or fourth place is already guaranteed. But reaching the final would be unprecedented and absolutely fantastic to see."
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt make up Angola's group. Difficult?
"Quite difficult. I think our group, along with Mozambique's, is one of the most balanced. Looking at it on paper, it might even be the most even group of all.
"It's going to be difficult; any team can win any game. That's why we have to be 100 per cent focused, well-prepared, well-integrated and do everything we can to get through the group stage."
And among all the teams present, can you identify favourites to win the competition?
"For me, Morocco are the clear favourites, not only because they're playing at home, but also because of their recent form. They have some magnificent players.
"Senegal will also be one of the teams that will always be in contention. Ivory Coast, as defending champions, will always have their say. Nigeria are a very strong team with world-class players.
"I like Tunisia's team a lot; perhaps they don't have as many big names as other teams, but as a team, they work very well. Egypt are always a contender, because of their collective quality and the players they have, and having someone like (Mo) Salah helps a lot.
"Algeria also deserve a mention. At the last AFCON, we made life very difficult for them, but I believe they'll want to present a completely different image this year. And then there's Congo, who have a core of very good players and play quality football.
"I think these are the teams I see as the strongest in this edition."
"He's a very special kid"
Not to be unfair to Fredy's teammates, but are there any diamonds that you think will be given special attention? Or do you think there will be several players in the spotlight in your team?
"Gelson (Dala) will always be our main reference point. For me, he's the best Angolan player of all time, always with respect for everything others have done. I know Gelson well: I was fortunate enough to play in Angola when he came through and also to share a team with him here in Turkey. So he'll clearly be our star player.
"Then there's Mabululu, who had an extraordinary tournament at the last AFCON. He's a player with a very strong nose for goal.
"But I believe that Zini, who for me is a very special kid with enormous talent, could also be a big surprise. Unfortunately, he's recovering from injury at the moment, but I hope he arrives at the CAN in good shape. He could well be a diamond yet to be cut.
You have admitted this will be your last AFCON appearance. How are you coping with the anticipation, nerves and anxiety?
"I try not to think about it too much and just enjoy the moment. I'm a person who lives more in the present than in what might happen later. If you don't seize the moment, you can't enjoy it. That's why my focus is on the games - these first three games, which are the ones we're already guaranteed. I want to enjoy them.
"Then, stage by stage, we'll see. If we get through the group stage, then maybe I'll feel that nervousness a bit more and that emotion of realising: 'It's coming to an end.' But I always realised that this moment would come.
"There are new talents emerging, diamonds who are already shining and who can help the national team a lot. They're already integrated and I believe there comes a time when we have to know how to pass on the baton. I feel I've passed on a lot of what it's like to play for the national team, what it's like to wear the national shirt and represent the country.
"And, as I always say, when we go out on the pitch, we don't go alone: we take millions of Angolans with us. And I'm thinking ahead to this final chapter."
"A lot of resilience, a lot of love for the country"
Your first international was in 2014. It's been eleven years with the national team. There have been highs, lows and, of course, some difficult moments. How would you describe your time with the Palancas Negras?
"It's been complicated. It was resilience, a lot of resilience... When I arrived at the Angolan national team, there were already challenges, but it was still possible to maintain some balance. After two or three years, the situation in the federation began to take steps backwards and various less good situations arose.
"I have stories... I sometimes talk about it with Buatu. We arrived at almost the same time; if not in the same game, then one game apart. And just recently, in Cameroon, we were reminiscing about all this and we said to each other: 'Imagine what we've been through, all the difficulties... and today we've managed to get to where we are.' And we don't want to stop here - we want more."
"It was a lot of resilience. And it was, above all, a lot of love of country."
With all your experience and everything you've lived through - moments of instability and others of greater stability - how do you see the future of the Angolan national team? Do you believe that things are already structured so that the future is even better?
"I think there's still a long way to go before the future is truly better. We've already taken some very positive steps. There's also been a change in the leadership of the federation, and it's normal that this new direction will need some time to adapt and to be able to follow the good examples.
"I believe in the people in charge, I believe in their capacity to work and also in their ambition to make things happen. But I know that they won't be able to do it alone; they need a lot of help, because the process isn't easy.
"The most important thing is organisation. Even with many or few resources, if there is no organisation, it will always be difficult. But if everything is well structured, the future of the national team will be very good."
Finally, as captain and one of the most experienced players, what message would you leave the Angolan people?
What I've been saying is the same: keep believing in us and supporting us, because together we're stronger. As our anthem says, A united country will never be defeated. It's essential that we feel the support of the people, even in less good times. With that extra strength, we can always give a little more.
"Believe me, we'll always do our best to bring them joy, because our victories are also the victories of all Angolans."