The Portuguese swapped Valencia for Wolves in the summer and has showed glimpses of what he’s capable of during the opening months of the season, but is waiting for a first goal in his new surroundings. For the 25-year-old, he’s been settling into a new country and a new league, and has enjoyed the transition, and now has his eyes on helping his new side to a first away win of the season at the London Stadium on Saturday evening.
On settling into the Premier League
“It’s very good. Every player dreams about playing in this league. I’m thoroughly enjoying it and I hope to take advantage of what the league has to bring. It’s the best league in the world and I think every player has to enjoy every moment as if it were the last.
“Everything is going well. I obviously hoped to help the team a little more with goals and assists in the first couple of games, but it was a period of transition. Right now, I can only hope to help the best I can.
“We believe in the work we’re putting in, we want to be better, and I think the results will come our way because we’ve been working quite well and believe in what the manager says – that’s essential.”
On the differences to La Liga
“The major difference for me is the intensity, the intensity of the league itself. Clubs having quality players turns the intensity up a notch which, in my opinion is, the difference between all leagues.
“I think the big difference is having less time to think. I have to be better prepared physically to react because all players are strong, and these are the two main things. Then it’s a matter of building that confidence up to give joy to all of Wolves’ supporters and that’s what matters.”
Goncalo grafting.
— Wolves (@Wolves) September 22, 2022
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On the hunt for a first goal
“Of course, I want it and to make as many assists as possible but that’s not what matters. What matters is for the team to win because when we win, I think I’ll be very happy. First, we think as a collective and that will reflect in how we perform as individuals because if we have great momentum collectively, we will shine individually.
“I would really like for that to happen [a goal on Saturday] but mostly for the team to win and to play a great game, to gain confidence and work day by day to get as far as we possibly can.”
On the Portuguese contingent
“It’s really good to have this many Portuguese players in the club. I think it was essential to have them here to adapt and we have a big group here and no one is left out. We get along really well with everyone but for me, as a Portuguese person, it’s great to have that ease to communicate with my mates and even understand what the manager says because he is Portuguese as well and that helps.
“In all honesty, everyone has been trying to help me the best way possible. When it comes to football and even off the pitch, Joao Moutinho has been helping me a lot. He’s a very experienced person with the CV to back it up and he helps me with tactics, what I should and shouldn’t do, how to improve, my strengths and weaknesses. He’s been of tremendous help when it comes to growing and adapting.”
On settling into the UK
“The UK is a little different from what I was used to in Spain. The weather is worlds apart. I think in terms of quality of living, Spain has the sun and a lot of things to do, as here we don’t have that as much, but I need to adapt. I’m really enjoying it and now it’s on to taking advantage of every moment I have to discover the UK and enjoy it the best I can off the pitch.
“The food at the club has been amazing. To be honest, there’s no beating Portuguese food because I’m Portuguese and I think it’s one of the best foods out there but it’s part of the process. The food here in the club is still quite good and I’m really enjoying it.”
On working on the gym
“I used to go to the gym but now I’m focussing a little more on my legs. It’s a matter of working day to day to improve and to feel even better in this league and within the team.
“I think it’s a bit of both. The coaches and I said it is good to get better and that’s what I’ll try to do – get better each day at work with focus and dedication so that one year from now I can be a completely different player from the one who arrived.”
