Marseille forward Vitinha believes he made the right choice to join Genoa on loan and wants to remain at the club. The 24-year-old arrived in the January transfer window and speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he explained why despite having made just a handful of appearances, he is already looking to remain with the club beyond the end of his loan:
In Genoa, you adapted quickly. You were promoted after your debut as a starter against Juve, but already against Monza, your scored your first goal in Serie A. “This is the real Vitinha,” says the coach. Do you agree?
“Yes, there has been progress. When you arrive in a new reality, you have to adapt, but I would say that the integration phase is over.”
Starting against Juve alongside Retegui and Gudmundsson: Gilardino’s choice paid off.
“I had good feelings. The field confirmed them, but growth is continuous.” He worked a lot for the team. Is it a characteristic of yours or a request from the coach?
“It’s part of my way of understanding football. I can play as a seven, nine, eleven, it doesn’t matter: I put myself at the service of my teammates. I must say, though, that Gilardino pays great attention to making the team play well collectively. Only in this way can he enhance the work and characteristics of individuals.”
Has the Vitinha of Braga returned? What happened in Marseille that didn’t allow you to perform at your previous levels?
“When I went to Olympique, it was the first time I stepped out of my comfort zone, and also my first experience abroad. Not only that: I felt the extra weight of my price tag, and that had an impact. There was a lot of pressure on me, besides having to learn a new language, get used to living in a new country, with some family difficulties. Nevertheless, I consider it a fruitful year. But in January, I felt I had to leave, and I thought this was the best place to find myself again.”
Genoa has a buy-back clause on your card, set at twenty-five million. Would you like to stay?
“Yes, although we all know that other factors beyond my control come into play in such a discussion. I can only say thank you to everyone here at Genoa: the coach, the staff, the club, the teammates.”
It’s not an easy time personally.
“There are people here who care about me, support me, and help me. It means a lot.”
This Genoa is growing, not only on the pitch. Can you do even better?
“There are untapped potentials, but it’s also a philosophical and methodological issue. Many clubs buy players to get immediate results. It’s not like that at Genoa: the club follows you, helps you, and that helps the group to grow.”
Short-term goals?
“I could say, ‘Score six goals or make six assists,’ but it wouldn’t make sense. If I play, I’ll try to show the best version of myself. If I remain out, I’ll help my teammates prepare well for the game. They have done a lot for me.”
Did you have any special tutors in the dressing room?
“A bit of everyone, even those who don’t speak French or Portuguese. But it was easier with Messias, who understands Portuguese, and Strootman (former OM, ed.), who speaks French well.”
