Veiga: "I'll play wherever the coach wants me to; I'm proud and happy with my journey"

Portugal is set to face Poland in the third round of the UEFA Nations League A group stage. On Wednesday, Renato Veiga attended the team’s routine press conference, where he discussed his feelings about being selected for the national team and his anticipation for his international debut.



What are your expectations for the match against Poland? You were a midfielder but can also play as a full-back and center-back. Where do you feel most comfortable now, and where do you think you can make the biggest impact?  
"My expectation is to do my best, make the most of the game, and enjoy it. I’ll focus on what I can control and leave the rest to those in charge. I feel good in several positions on the field."  

"At Chelsea, I’ve played as a full-back, center-back, defensive midfielder, and even as a more defensively inclined midfielder. Wherever the coach feels I should play, I’ll follow his instructions."

You’re still waiting for your national team debut, which will be a special moment. How are you handling these days leading up to that challenge?  
"I focus on every training session and always give my best. I’m a young person who lives very much in the present, trying to improve every day, and the results will come naturally from that work. Anyone can be selected to play, it’s up to the coach’s decision, but we all have to do everything we can to win every game."

You completed your entire youth development at Sporting CP but only established yourself in the national team after leaving. How have you managed all the expectations, and how much has your father helped you?  

"My father, Nélson, my mother, Tânia, my siblings, and my grandmother—all of them have supported me, and I’m lucky to have such a supportive family. It’s incredibly important for any young person, both on and off the pitch."  

"I’m fortunate to have received a lot of help from my family. I completed my training at Sporting, but I didn’t get the opportunity there, so I decided to leave."  

"I’ve paved my own path outside, and now I’m here. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m proud of my journey so far and know there’s much more to achieve before reaching my goals."

Two years ago, you were playing for Sporting B, and now you’re at Chelsea and have been called up to the national team. How did this leap happen, and how do you handle it all? 
"To be honest, it excites me. I’m someone who works hard and is eager to achieve my goals. It may seem like a fast process, but I might not feel it that way because I’ve been through a lot of good and not-so-good moments."  

"First, I left my family to go to Germany, then Switzerland, and now England. It hasn’t been easy, but it has helped me grow a lot. I’m very happy and proud of my journey."

Can you share your feelings about being with the national team? Any advice or insights you’ve gained? How have these helped you?  
"If I’ve been called up, it’s because I’ve done something right in my daily work and routine. The rest is about learning from both more experienced players and those with less experience. I’m very open to advice."  

"We have a great team, and the experienced players love helping the younger ones. We always have an open attitude, and I’m grateful to have such capable teammates who are friendly and welcoming. We try to absorb all the positive things they offer."

What did it feel like to be called up to the national team for the first time?  
"I thought about my grandfather, who unfortunately is no longer with us, but since I was young, he did so much for me. I don’t want to go into too many details, but I want to send a message to him, expressing my gratitude for everything he did for me. It’s a beautiful feeling. I’m sure he’s watching over me, and all of this is for him and my grandmother, who is still with us."

After completing your youth development at Sporting, joining the first team was expected. What went wrong? Do you hope to return to Sporting one day?  
"I don’t think anything went wrong. Every player has their own path. I’m very grateful for the 13 years I spent at Sporting. At the time, coach Amorim chose not to use me, so I developed abroad."  

"I’m grateful for that decision, as otherwise, I might not be where I am today. Returning? I’ll take things one day at a time. I have a special bond with Sporting, but I’m very happy at Chelsea right now."

The schedule is very demanding, and many players have commented on that. Do you discuss this issue during training camps? 
"This is something beyond our control. We can only focus on doing our job. As young players, we’re eager to play as much as possible, but the schedule is getting tighter, and player health is something that needs to be considered."

Looking at the list of center-backs, there are many young players, with Rúben Dias being the most experienced. How do you share experiences, and is age really just a number?  
"Nowadays, more and more young players are making a mark at the highest level of football. I believe age is just a number—what matters is performance."  

"We get along well. I’m happy to be here, and I want to learn as much as I can and prove my worth. Hopefully, Portugal can win the next two matches."