Fulham midfielder João Palhinha is no longer just a star at Craven Cottage, but also with the Portuguese national team, where he’s been gaining more importance.
Currently away with Roberto Martinez’s squad, the 28-year-old was interviewed by the 1 Para 1 podcast, with his quotes relayed by O Jogo.
Speaking about his qualities, Palhinha explained that a lot of his defensive abilities are related to his mentality.
“Eighty, ninety per cent of this characteristic is defined by the passion I have for the game, the ‘hunger’. I think it comes from within, it’s not something you train for. The atmosphere in England, every time I go down and they [the fans] do that ‘bruá’, it gives me fuel,” said João Palhinha.
Palhinha also talked about the Euros, Portugal’s squad and manager Martinez, but wasn’t asked about his future this time, even though the rumours of a Fulham exit are still around.
Following a great campaign in the Euro qualifiers, Portugal now have a couple of friendlies against Sweden and Slovenia as they work to prepare the group that will go to Germany.
With another good season with Fulham, Palhinha became one of the pillars in the national team’s midfield, despite being rested in a couple of games when they didn’t need their full strength.
The Whites will be back action on the 2nd of April, when they go to the City Ground to play relegation battling Nottingham Forest.
