Involved in one of the biggest soap operas of the summer market, João Palhinha, on the last day of the closed season, was in Munich to sign for Bayern. The transfer ended up falling and the midfielder admitted it was a tough blow.
«It was a punch in the stomach not to go to Bayern München, but life goes on and I can only work so that one day I can have an opportunity like this again», he began by saying, in an interview with the newspaper the game.
«I had some conversations with Marco Silva and he gave me a lot of support. When that happened I spoke to him, telling him what was in my heart and he, having been a player, understood the situation.”
Regarding the possible pressure of playing in the Premier League, the Portuguese international stated that he felt more responsibility when representing Sporting: «I had the opportunity to play for a big club in Portugal and, when people ask me, I say that there is greater pressure in playing for Sporting than at Fulham. I feel motivated here, but not pressured.”
The former Lion also admitted that he “aims to make a qualitative leap in his career” and that “only by continuing the process in England will he be able to reach other levels.”
Out of curiosity, Palhinha stated that a club the size of Fulham could fight to be champion in the Portuguese championship: «I have no doubts, especially because we see English clubs looking for players in Portugal. Budgets make all the difference. They have another investment capacity.”
Joo Palhinha
