Sunderland loanee Luís Hemir is back to his roots in Portugal. As a Moreirense player, he dropped the surname that made him known at Benfica and is trying to reach new highs in his career.
After being loaned to Juventus’ under-23 team, the young striker aims to establish himself at Moreirense before thinking about bigger things.
A new surname for a new dawn
During his time in Lisbon he was known as Luís Semedo, but now he appears under the name Luís Hemir. “It’s how my family and closest friends address me”, he revealed in a dense interview for TSF. “I prefer it that way.”
The 22-year-old made his debut for Moreirense two weeks ago and has played two games as a substitute. “These were two matches where I returned to the pitch after a long time away, and it’s been great. The integration with the team, with my teammates, and being back out there makes me feel like I’m new again”, he said.
Hemir arrived at Moreirense at the end of August, but only made his debut at the beginning of November. The reason, according to him, was his physical condition which dragged on from pre-season. “I hadn’t played for five months. Besides that, my teammates in my position are doing a great job, and I respect that a lot. Now I’m back and I’m looking to earn my place in the team.”
When asked what motivated him to sign for Moreirense, he gave a heartfelt answer. “It’s always good to come home, especially after two difficult years. The opportunity to join Moreirense came up, which is a welcoming club, and I didn’t think twice.”
And it looks like he’s refusing to feel any pressure in Portugal. As a centre-forward, his work is measured by goals, but he prefers to take it one game at a time. “I don’t deal very well with expectations”, he admitted.
Sunderland youngster gaining more experience
Last season he was also on loan to Juventus U-23, and he acknowledges the experience at a big Italian club was a big deal for his development as a player. “It was a great year playing football in a different style than in Portugal, but the adaptation went well. It’s a country somewhat similar to Portugal, with more differences compared to England. Juventus is a big, well-known club with a large fan base”, he reflected.
In Turin, he even got to train with the first team – a proof of his skills and sharp mindset, but also a nod to a special family connection: his cousin, Villareal midfielder Renato Veiga, who was also on loan at Juventus. “In the meantime, Renato ended up going there. It was good to have someone nearby to help me.”
Luís is still very young, and in football, the expression ‘relaunching a career’ is often used in that context. But that’s not exactly what the forward wants to do at Moreirense. “I see this as an opportunity that Moreirense has given me to grow. I’m not saying I came here to relaunch my career, but to take advantage of opportunities and get playing time. And then, yes, show what I’m really still capable of doing and the quality I have.”
Now Sunderland can only hope he comes back from this experience ready to be a part of next season’s Premier League squad.
