Fernando Marçal, Botafogo’s 36-year-old full-back, rubbed shoulders with Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain’s 25-year-old midfielder (since 2022), at Wolverhampton when the latter was on loan from FC Porto for the 2020-2021 season. Speaking to L’Equipe, his former team-mate recounted a moment that speaks volumes about the now Portuguese international’s confidence.
Vitinha “I’ll go to one of the eight best clubs in Europe.”
“The coach was complicated with him. No matter how many incredible things he did in sessions, he couldn’t convince him. Espirito Santo wanted Vitinha to play more simply, to release the ball more quickly. He tried to comply, but didn’t want to lose his identity either.
One day, I asked him: “What do you think you’ll be doing next season? He was on loan from Porto, but he had to make twenty starts for Wolverhampton to be obliged to buy him. He didn’t (he got 5).
He said to me: “Marçal, I’m going back to Porto, I’m going to break everything there and the following season, I’m going to one of the eight best clubs in Europe.” I thought to myself: “Fucking hell, the guy doesn’t play for Wolverhampton and he thinks he’s going to sign for Manchester City or a club like that? He’s a bit crazy!” But no, he wasn’t.”
Of course, it can happen that players think like that and then fall short. But confidence is also the key to reaching the highest level. Humility should never be forgotten, but you don’t reach the pinnacle of soccer with doubts about your game.
Vitinha didn’t let a complicated season at Wolverhampton get him down, with a coach who clearly didn’t really suit his style. The Portuguese midfielder worked hard and fought hard to impose himself. It was enough to catch the eye of PSG, notably for a transfer a year after his return.
Then came a difficult period in a Paris with a weak collective. But once again, the player didn’t let himself be pushed around and ended up showing all his qualities in a PSG rebuilt by coach Luis Enrique. He is now one of the benchmarks in his position.
