Rafael Nel: I dedicate this award to all the young players in the …..

Rafael Nel, Sporting’s forward, in a flash interview with Sport TV after the victory (4-2) against Santa Clara , in the 28th round of the League. The young player, on his birthday, made his first start for the Lions, scoring his first goal in the League. 

The team gave the birthday present.

As a birthday present, I think the team managed to give me this gift. I think it was a well-contested game. We managed to come out on top and taking the three points home was the most important thing. We ended up conceding two goals to Santa Clara, which made things a bit difficult for us. But we managed to finish the game off right after and I think it was a good game from the whole team.

Games for the first team

Every game is a different experience. Working with my teammates during the week, I think I get to know them better each time. It’s different from seeing them on television or even here at the stadium. With that, I can take advantage of some of their characteristics and end up scoring goals and being happy. 

Suarez and Ioannids have been giving advice. 

Rui Borges simply asked me to be myself, to play simply, as I am as a player. And I think that was perhaps the secret. I also want to mention that Suárez and Ioannidis help me daily, talking to me and giving me some positive feedback.”

To whom do you dedicate the Man of the Match award?

To all the players, to all the kids who are at the academy watching this game or even those who came here to the stadium. And I also want to dedicate this to my family who are always there for me, and for me too.