Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves was the first Portuguese player to speak ahead of the Nations League clash against Italy.
The 21-year-old has given a press conference on Tuesday, and tried to avoid some of the controversial questions that local journalists have thrown to him.
Neves, who has never played for Sporting in his life, was first asked about the accusations against the former president Bruno de Carvalho, who would have allegedly ordered the attacks against players earlier this year.
Quizzed if the national team squad has been commenting about it, he said: “Of course not. We’re completely out of this matter. Focused only on the Italy game,” (via Record)
Journalists have also recalled that the Wolves midfielder wasn’t called up for the World Cup, despite the good season he’s had in the Championship. But he claims that there are no hard feelings for that.
“I did not feel wronged, fortunately Portugal has a wide range of excellent players. I was prepared to be called and not to be. I was super quiet, it’s up to me to do my job.”
And there were obviously a few quotes about the game against Italy as well.
“Portugal are focused on their work, we go into every game to win. Knowing that there is only one point left, and we will look for the victory from the beginning and try to pass the final four.”
“We are all prepared to help the national team. Fortunately we have a wide range of players. Obviously it’s important to have players who have been European champions in the group because of their vast experience, they help on the pitch and in the group.”
