Vitinha, the 26-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal midfielder, was invited to a Canal11 documentary to discuss the battle to sign João Neves (21-year-old midfielder) from Benfica in the summer of 2024. He explained that he was competing with Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) for the signature of their very special compatriot.
Vitinha: “I really wish you would come.”
“The PSG/Manchester United duel for Neves?
I tried to convince him to come, even though he didn’t know me very well. I encouraged him to come because I knew it would be very beneficial for us. From what I saw…
I knew PSG were interested, but I told him: ‘João, if you can, I know others will be pushing for them, but I really wish you would come.'” Bruno did it, 100% [laughs]. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t succeed, because he came here and played well.
Vitinha: “I perceived other aspects, other nuances in his game.”
“I wasn’t a visionary; those who shared the pitch with him during the first training sessions saw it. I saw him on television, but I thought he was even better. I perceived other aspects, other nuances in his game.
You’ve already seen some things, especially offensively; he’s already scored a hat trick, he has an eye for detail and incredible plays, but he manages to do it consistently, for a long time. It wasn’t a fluke. Knowing the person behind it all, I was even more certain that everything could work out.”
Vitinha, future sporting director? It’s perhaps a little too early to consider a career change, and he’s not the first to be involved in a transfer. We regularly see players recounting discussions about making a decision, or others who tried to convince someone to join. This happens particularly with national teams or with the various friendships that can develop in football.
In any case, the Portuguese midfielder had a very positive feeling about his young compatriot and didn’t want to see him sign with any club other than PSG. We can only be delighted by this, given Neves’ clear contribution to Paris, even if, like the rest of the team, he’s been struggling physically this season. His talent is undeniable, his determination invaluable, and the future looks bright. We even hope to see the two Portuguese players continue to shine together at PSG for a long time.
