Afonso Sousa rejected an offer from Sp. Braga in the summer.

Celebrating his first month of his 47th year, Ricardo Sousa = once a hero for Beira-Mar at Jamor = enjoys the tranquility of Aveiro, the city where he has lived for almost 30 years, before resuming his adventure as a coach. In a modest café in the heart of the Venice of Portugal, Ricardo Sousa chats with Maisfutebol and raises his hand to those who recognize and greet him.

The former midfielder = who came through the FC Porto youth system = admits to being particularly concerned about his son, Afonso Sousa, who has been recovering from an injury since October. Last summer, the 25-year-old midfielder = who also came through the FC Porto youth system, where he won the Youth League = left Lech Poznan with the Polish league title, joining Turkish side Samsunspor. Meanwhile, Afonso Sousa rejected an offer to return to Portugal.

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Maisfutebol: Ricardo’s son, Afonso Sousa, is in Turkiye recovering from an injury.

Ricardo Sousa: He’s going through the most delicate moment of his career. He had his best season in Poland, where he won the league title and was awarded best midfielder. He was signed as “the star” of Samsunspor, their most expensive signing , but suffered a serious injury = a torn tendon in his foot = which would have kept him out for up to eight weeks, but we’re already at 15 weeks. It’s normal that he’s more fragile.

MF: How do you deal with your son from this distance?

RS: It’s difficult, I wish I could be more present. I travel and attend many games, I try to be there and we talk daily, but it’s hard to be away, especially at times like these. It’s normal that I need my loved ones close by.

MF: Wouldn’t Afonso have a place in the Portuguese League?

RS: Of course. In the summer he rejected an offer from the four “big” clubs. He felt that, after so many years in Portugal, he never had the opportunity to establish himself in the league, being forced to emigrate to receive the recognition he deserved. Therefore, he chose to remain abroad. Financially it is also beneficial.

MF: Which Portuguese club tried to sign Afonso?

RS: There was an offer from Sp. Braga.

MF: In a family of athletes, what does Ricardo enjoy doing?

RS: Despite my knees, I enjoy playing padel. It’s important to socialize and have moments of distraction.

MF: What is your main dream as a coach?

RS: Getting to the League. I work and fight every day to reach that level and prove that this is where I belong.