The Portuguese media will never forget about their compatriot players who are at clubs from abroad. Besides providing regular updates on their situations, the interviews are always worth reading as well.
This week, Portuguese newspaper Record managed to talk with Southampton right-back Cedric Soares. The player was given much praise for his assist in Southampton’s 3-0 win over Leicester City last weekend, and spoke to Record after the match.
“It was very important, especially over an opponent like Leicester,” the 25-year-old told Record. “We played a great game and completely dominated the opponents. It could have been an even bigger result.”
On adaptation the the Premier League, the Southamptonplayer feels it’s been pretty good so far: “It’s a different league, very quick. This fantastic intensity that every game has is what pushes and thrills us. I feel more and more at home in the Premier League. But I want to continue to consolidate myself.”
Cedric Soares also spoke about the EFL Cup semifinal against Liverpool, with the Saints winning the first leg 1-0, and the second game this week: “You have to be intelligent and handle the advantage to get to the final. It would be very important for Southampton because, even being a Cup, it’s a final. Everyone dreams of lifting the trophy.”
The newspaper couldn’t avoid mentioning José Fonte, who has just left Southampton controversially and joined West Ham United.
Asked if he felt sad for having lost a Portuguese teammate, Soares says: “Of course I did. He ended up leaving in a bit of a complicated way. He knows the great professional he is, how much he helped me. Both me and my teammates will miss him.
“But it’s normal, it’s part of football. I hope it always goes very well for him in the future and that he’s very happy at West Ham. He deserves it! I only have good things to say about Zé. It makes me sad, but if it’s the best for him, I’m happy.”
