Portuguese international rejects transfer rumors and declares himself among the best midfielders in the world.
Vitinha opened up in a lengthy interview on Canal 11’s “Soltinhos pelo Mundo program, where he discussed his future, his time at PSG, the Ballon d’Or, and even his physical limitations. After experiencing one of his best seasons with the Parisians, the Portuguese international midfielder was clear in ruling out a possible move to Real Madrid.
I don’t think it’s the best thing for me right now. I feel great here at PSG. I feel like the people here really like me and I feel like I’ve earned that affection. I love being here, and so does my family. We have a fantastic group and an incredible coach. It would be stupid to change, he stated.
When asked about a possible move to the Saudi league, the midfielder acknowledged the financial scale of the offers, but assured that he wouldn’t be happier there.
We can’t be naive. It’s really significant money that can make you feel secure for life. But I don’t think I care so much about what money can buy. I care more about having a career in a certain way. I already earn very well here in Europe, at a huge club. Doubling or tripling that wouldn’t increase my happiness, he explained.
The first year in Paris
In the conversation, the former FC Porto player also recalled his first year at PSG, admitting that the adaptation was not easy and that the season ended up falling short of expectations.
Until November or December, before the World Cup, things were going very well. The team was flying high and I felt good. After the World Cup in Qatar, things slowly started to fall apart and we ended the season badly, he recalled.
“It was my first year internationally. At Wolverhampton I didn’t play much and few people knew me. At FC Porto I felt I had achieved what I wanted to be as a player. Then I arrived at my first big year abroad and the initial impression wasn’t convincing, the 26=year=old player added.
Compensating for physical limitations
Vitinha further explained how he had to adapt his game to survive in modern football after realizing he was neither tall, nor strong, nor fast.
I had to anticipate other things, position myself differently, see before receiving. I may not go into contact, but I can’t be worthless,” the midfielder considered, speaking of a “natural evolution, which was curiously compared.
Giraffes have long necks to reach the highest leaves. It was an evolutionary adaptation to be able to get there, he said, laughing.
Podium at the Ballon d’Or
The most recent season, however, ended up confirming the Portuguese international’s place in European football, culminating in a place on the Ballon d’Or podium, an award won by his teammate Ousmane Dembélé. Vitinha assures that he never had any doubts about the fairness of the winner.
“When I said that Dembélé was the rightful winner, I wasn’t just talking nonsense . He was our reference point and our leader on the field. He was decisive in important moments and deserved to win, he began by saying.
The midfielder also highlighted the impact of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha throughout the season, praising the quality displayed by both. Despite the individual recognition, Vitinha says he always tried to keep expectations in check.
I knew I could finish in a good place, but I never set my expectations too high. Even if I finished outside the top 3, they wouldn’t have seen me sad. But of course, finishing on the podium was special,” he said.
I know I’m among the best.
When confronted with the possibility of considering himself the best midfielder in the world, the Portuguese international preferred a more cautious response, although he acknowledged the level he has reached.
I don’t like to say I’m the best. It sounds arrogant, because it always ends up being an opinion. But I know I’m in that group, he said.
When challenged to name the midfielders he likes the most, Vitinha placed Pedri at the top of his list and also highlighted two compatriots.
“Pedri? He’s magical. It’s spectacular to watch him play. When you play against him, you understand even better. Then, there in the top 3, it weighs on me a little bit. Having both of them is difficult. I’d put Joao [Neves] and Bruno [Fernandes]. The two of them there with me and Pedri. So, I don’t make a top 3, I make a top 4. We can play as a 4, he concluded, laughing.