Ipswich Town midfielder Florentino Luis already seems pretty convinced that England is where he wants to spend the next few years.
The 27-year-old only arrived in English football last summer, initially joining Burnley from Benfica. His career has since taken him to Ipswich, and the midfielder sounds very happy with how things have worked out.
England is pushing him physically and technically. His family have settled too. Now Florentino has another target for his season at Ipswich – finally getting into Portugal’s senior squad.
Florentino wants more years in England
Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, as relayed by Record, Florentino was asked about his first year in English football and the move to Ipswich.
“It’s been very good. The English league is the best in the world and brings together the best players.”
“I’ve been pushing myself as hard as possible, to the limit, because I always have to be ready. It’s a league where I can see myself playing for more years.”
“My family have adapted well too, which is important for me to feel settled away from the pitch.”
That sounds pretty encouraging for Ipswich. Florentino isn’t treating England as a short adventure before looking elsewhere. He’s enjoying the football, his family are comfortable and he can already picture himself staying in the country for years.
His next ambition is international recognition. The midfielder represented Portugal throughout the youth levels but is still waiting for his first senior appearance. At 27, he’s made changing that one of his targets for this campaign.
“It’s a dream and an objective I have for this season. I’m working as hard as I can to make it happen, but I’m also relaxed because, when the time is right, it will happen.”
A strong season with Ipswich would obviously help his case, even though he’s only played 111 minutes so far this season.
Becoming an enterpreneur
Florentino had another reason to be at the Portugal Football Summit. He has already started thinking about life beyond playing and has created a player representation company.
“This national team project is very good and it’s the perfect time [to visit Portugal]. We have time to rest and I have my player representation company here [at the Portugal Football Summit], so I’m combining the useful with the enjoyable.”
“Our careers are very short, so I created this company with the intention of showing players that we should show more of who we are.”
“When people get to know us and our stories better, they can have a different perspective on football. There are companies here showing football in different ways and that’s very good.”
“The most important thing at the end of all this is that Portuguese football can grow and become better known abroad.”
For now, though, the playing career remains the priority. Florentino clearly feels at home in England and wants to stay there. Ipswich can now give him the platform to chase the other big objective he has set himself – finally getting that Portugal call.
