Portuguese Football in English
As Europe continues to struggle with the impact of COVID-19, the tentative steps back towards everyday life are being made in regions across China, following an extensive quarantine period.
One resident is Portuguese coach Hélder Silva, who works with the U14 and U15 Chinese national team sides and is based in the southern coastal province of Guangdong. Silva spoke with Maisfutebol earlier this week about his current situation and why he believes China’s example must be followed.
João Silva has been back in China for almost two weeks, having left the country in which the coronavirus pandemic emerged in January. The Portuguese striker will shortly begin full training with his club Nantong Zhiyun, based in the Jiangsu province on the eastern coast, ahead of hopefully finally returning to action next month.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol, Silva has been discussing the impact the spread of Covid-19 has had on his life and career, how the authorities have appeared to manage the crisis and recapping his sporting journey through England, Bulgaria and Italy.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for February, adding to his winning of the PFA Player of the Month award as well as the Man United Player of the Month.
Fernandes has made a tremendous impact in English football with the Red Devils since his January transfer from Sporting. The 25-year-old has started eight matches and made one substitute appearance so far in all competitions, with a return of three goals and four assists coming as Fernandes has impressed all observers in the Premier League.
Rafael Leão has been speaking about his move to AC Milan last summer, and his adaptation to Italian football as one of the club’s great hopes for the future.
Sporting academy graduate Leão moved to San Siro ahead of the current season from French outfit Lille for a fee in the region of €35m plus bonuses and Tiago Djaló, and the 20-year-old admits the switch was a huge moment in his young career.
Olympiacos 1-1 Wolverhampton WanderersThe Europa League meeting of two clubs with large Portuguese contingents was somewhat anti-climactic in spectacle but eventful in storylines as Olympiacos hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers in Greece.
Supporters were not allowed to attend the match in Piraeus owing to precautions relating to the coronavirus epidemic, meaning the highly-anticipated clash between Pedro Martins’ Olympiacos and a travelling Wolves led by Nuno Espírito Santo lacked the atmosphere it deserved. Rúben Semedo and Pedro Neto were the key protagonists on the night as the teams shared the spoils in a score draw.
