Were there times in your career when you thought that you wouldn’t make it because of your height?
I never thought about giving up because I was shorter or physically weaker than others. But there was a time when we were told on average, only one or two players, sometimes none, would become professional footballers and there are thousands of young players trying to reach the same place.
So, I questioned whether I was wasting my time because only one or two out of every thousand players make it. I spoke to my sister about it: she didn’t know much about it, but she encouraged me to keep going and doing what I loved. So, I kept playing football without pressure or looking at it as a job; it was more like a hobby.
Then, an opportunity to get into the Benfica first team arose when I least expected it. That was when I achieved one of my dreams: making my debut for the club I love. And that was the moment I realised that, yes, maybe football was going to be my true calling, and that’s what I wanted.
How has that mentality shaped your playing style, because you’re not a striker but you’ve scored plenty of goals this season!
I actually was a striker when I was little, but as the pitch got bigger, we found out what our real strengths and qualities are. I liked to be involved all over the pitch, so I never really saw myself playing up front as a striker or as a defender.
Midfield was always the best choice for me because I want to be a complete player and do a bit of everything. I think football revolves a lot around the midfield, defending and attacking, making passes, and winning the ball back. So, I think I chose the right position on the pitch. It was what made the most sense to me.
When it comes to the goals, as everyone knows full well, our game isn’t one where we use a traditional a striker, and we prefer a false nine. So it’s about getting into the box and not being afraid to take risks. It’s something I’ve always said I had to improve in my game, but I was never in a hurry to do so. I always keep my father's words in mind: “The most difficult part isn't getting there; it's staying there.” So, now comes the most difficult part: maintain my level and run of performances.
Is there a story behind why you always play with your shirt tucked in?
Playing with my shirt tucked in and my socks below the knee were a Benfica tradition that I’ve followed to this day. And, nowadays, like I usually tell my friends, I even get scared of not doing so because if anything bad happens, I’m going to use that as an excuse! So, I can’t bring myself to change. I won’t change.
How did it feel to go out on the pitch and hear the Champions League anthem before the final last year?
It was a special game, with many pre-match nerves, as is to be expected. I was obviously aware that it was the Champions League final and that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.
Knowing our families were in the stands meant there was even more pressure on us because we didn’t want to upset anyone. But I remember feeling relaxed stepping onto the pitch, hearing the Champions League anthem and getting goosebumps. Then, when I heard the final whistle, there was bigger relief than I’d ever felt in my life.
The season was over, we’d ended it in the best way possible, nobody could accuse us negatively of anything, and then it was just a matter of revelling in the occasion and laughing with our loved ones, our families who were in the stands.
