Portuguese newspaper O Jogo does something quite rare this Thursday, which is to have a front page story that is not about Porto, Benfica, Sporting or even Braga.
It’s Portimonense duo Jackson Martinez and Marlos Moreno who are on the cover today, as they’ve given an interview about their new Colombian partnership at the club.
Jackson Martinez had already joined the side in a move from Guangzhou Evergrande last year, and now welcomes Marlos Moreno, who’s arriving on a loan deal from Manchester City.
Both players make it very clear that Martinez will try to help Moreno relaunch his career, since he couldn’t impress in any of the loans since signing for the Premier League side.
“It’s a joy for me to have Marlos here, first because I have a fellow compatriot nearby and then because I want to see him evolve, have a good performance and help the team. I hope he honours the name of our country,” Jackson Martinez told O Jogo.
Since signing for Manchester City in 2016, Moreno has been on loan at Deportivo La Coruña, Girona, Flamengo, Santos Laguna and now Portimonense.
“I remember Marlos’s early professional games and what it meant for Colombia to see such a talent born,” Martinez says. “I’ll help him, of course, because football has so many stages and he will have gone through situations in his short career that he didn’t believe. But it’s these things that help and strengthen you. When you are young you have to realise this and open your mind.
“It’s not because he’s here or being Colombian, but at 18 being bought by giants like Manchester City is a sign of his talent. And it’s not possible that he has lost his capabilities. I think he lacks confidence.”
“Nobody denies his talent and ability, but he’s a player who has to give more than that gift. Football is very much about confidence and I want to count on Marlos doing his best and gaining confidence. If so, he’ll loosen off at anytime”.
O Jogo refers to Moreno as ‘very shy’ during the interview, so he didn’t really say a lot. He’s shown his big respect for Martinez, and admits expecting a few lessons from his teammate.
“I want him to teach and advise me, it’s crucial. Sharing the dressing room with Jackson is very beautiful and I was always happy to talk about him so well in other countries, remembering his journey, especially at FC Porto, where he was spectacular. For me it is a dream! I want to be in this project and try to achieve many of the things he has achieved.”
