The Brazilian midfielder Diego Lopes was one of the great promises of the Benfica formation, but, as a Rio Ave player, he was in the last victory of Vilacondenses by League against the reds. In that match, Ukra -like Diego Lopes-, came off the bench to score one of the goals in the 2-1 win.
“Ukrinha (Ukra) is as good a person as he is a good professional. In the relationship he has with his teammates in the locker room, he is a very nice guy. He returned to Rio Ave and I hope he can score a goal on Sunday (laughs))”, talk on the phone with TSF from Singapore where Diego Lopes plays.
Diego Lopes plays in Singapore and tries to follow the Portuguese league matches whenever the schedule allows. “Rio Ave is at a moment of growth in the season, with good games”, summarizes the Brazilian midfielder. “In Vila do Conde, Rio Ave has good matches every year against the ‘big ones’. I think they will fight for the three points.”
But the biggest praise for the Lion City Sailors player is reserved for the eagles moment. “From the matches I saw, specifically the Champions League, it seems to me a very strong team in supported play, who wants to have the ball. They have, in my opinion, the best team at the moment in Portugal, they are looking for attractive football, which the fans like to watch. I see ability to execute good plays, good ability to read the players’ game.”
“It’s going to be a great football spectacle”, sums up the Brazilian number ten about the duel on Sunday, April 2, at 6:00 p.m.
On the other side of the world, Diego Lopes tries to follow what is happening in Portuguese football. In Singapore, the former Benfica and Rio Ave midfielder found a context that he likes.
“The championship is not very competitive, but the context of life here is spectacular. The weather is good, I feel free to be outside, without worries, and there is always a lot to do. There is also good support from the people at the club, a club that wants to grow. Last year we had some problems, we couldn’t be champions. But there have been changes and they are trying to do a remodel.”
Source: TSF
