Fonte: “When we go to Euros we have the ambition of winning it”
After the Portugal-France encounter PortuGOAL spoke to Seleção players Danilo, Bernardo Silva and José Fonte. Despite the result, all three players remain upbeat about the future of the Seleção.
“We’re a team that has a big future,” says midfielder Danilo, while centre-back José Fonte talked up Portugal’s chances of success at Euro 2016, pointing out that the side contains “the best player in the world and top players from the best clubs and the best leagues.”
Watch the exclusive interviews here.
Danilo interview
PortuGOAL: If someone told you one year ago when you were at Marítimo that one year later you would be a Porto and a Seleção player, would you have believed them.
Danilo: “Yes I would, because I have a lot of belief in my ability and that I could reach this level. Fortunately I reached it, and I’m very happy about it.”
PortuGOAL: Did Portugal prove tonight that they compete against the best in Europe next summer?
Danilo: “Yes, Portugal can face up to any team in the world. This game showed we have good players that fight a lot. We were unlucky to concede a goal from a set piece.”
PortuGOAL: The transition to the new generation. Is the future bright for Portugal?
“Yes, there are always changes in the Seleção. Cycles come to an end and new ones emerge, like the U21 side who were very good at the Euro. It’s a generation that I believe will provide many players for the senior side within 2 or 3 years.
“We’re a team that has a big future and it’s good to see players like João Mário and me representing the Seleção – the team has many (young) players that can contribute.”
José Fonte interview
Thoughts on the game: “I thought it was a very even game. I didn’t think France deserved to win, it was one set piece… It was a good game but the most important thing for us is to focus on winning Monday’s game. Today was a test against a very good team. We wanted to win obviously, we want to win every game, but (France) were a little lucky at the end.”
Can Portugal compete against any team: “Of course. We have the best player in the world. We have top top players who play for the best clubs in the world in the best leagues. We are a force and we want to win every game and we play every game to win. When we go to the Euros we have the ambition of winning it. That’s the mentality that the manager has passed on to us and which we have.”
On helping Cédric at Southampton: “It’s important for him to have someone who can help him with all the things you need to do to adapt quickly, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do. But he’s lucky because at Southampton we have a team and staff that integrate you in the best possible way. He feels happy and he’s done a great job so far.”
On Southampton’s start to season: “We lost one game, we won last week, so we’re in mid table but we want to be higher up. I think the result last week was very important for us to get confidence. Things are looking up at club level.”
On younger players in Seleção: “It’s only natural. Player careers come to an end. We (Portugal) are fortunate to be a country that has a lot of talent and these kinds of players are very welcome because they are great players. They need space, they need to play and fortunately they’ve been playing more now.”
Bernardo Silva interview
On highly successful past year: “It’s true that everything happened very fast. I’m very happy because I believe last season I did a great job. I hope that this year I can do even better. I’m here to give my best to Portugal and to Monaco.”
On Portuguese contingent at Monaco: “It’s true we have seven Portuguese players and the coach is Portuguese. It’s very good and it makes things easier for us, but what’s more important is that the team is working well.”
On Monaco and Seleção goals this season: “For Monaco the aim is to finish 2nd or 3rd and reach the Champions League, at least the playoffs, and personally I want to score more goals than I did last year.”
Tom Kundert was asking the questions
