12 January 2007, by Sean Gillen

Happy Hilario living a dream at Chelsea

Portuguese goalkeeper loving life in the Premiership

Portuguese goalkeeper Hilario says that he is loving life at Premiership champions Chelsea, after his unexpected run in the first team at Stamford Bridge, and admits that he would love to be capped by his country.

The 31-year-old moved to London on a free transfer from Nacional in the summer, initially with the idea of being one of Jose Mourinho’s substitute goalkeepers. However, a serious injury to Petr Cech has seen Hilario play 17 games for the Blues so far this season.

“Chelsea is definitely a dream come true,” he told Gestifute. “My transfer was something extraordinary that life offered me and playing for the team is even more extraordinary. To be on the pitch and experience the atmosphere around us is indefinable. I feel privileged for all that is happening.”

Hilario is also keen to pay tribute to the Chelsea fans, who have taken to the goalkeeper after he was called in as a last minute stand-in for the Champions League match with Barcelona in October.

“Being a player in England is different. Now I can speak from my own experience because I’ve played a few matches for Chelsea: people on the streets already know who I am. They are kind and respect me, which is typical from English fans.”

“In fact, what was said to me by those fans on the street and their kind words moved me deeply. I understood how deep these fans are connected to the club and their enthusiastic support. It is, in fact, extraordinary. And getting this kind of feedback for our work is fantastic.”

Happy to play second fiddle

It is not yet known when Cech will return to action, and although enjoying his time deputising for the Czech goalkeeper, Hilario is anxious to see the first choice return as soon as possible to help the team’s title push.

“I would like to line up until Petr gets back, then I want to watch him playing in Chelsea’s goal. That would make me truly happy. Make no doubt about my willingness to play as many games as possible, but if that doesn’t happen and Chelsea wins the title with me on the bench, that seems to me a great season.”

On manager Jose Mourinho, Hilario has good memories of their brief working relationship at Porto: “Despite not being an option at FC Porto, I admired and respected Jose Mourinho during that period. For his work style, presence and coherence.”

“Although not an option, I was treated the same way as any other player. Then I experienced some extra-football problems, and at that time he showed his gigantic human side. I will never forget. That’s why I felt extremely happy in being able to working with him again.”

Hilario’s career has taken a major upturn with the move to Chelsea, and some have suggested that a first international cap could arrive before long. While excited by talk of representing his country, Hilario is adamant that he will not get too carried away by the thought.

“I’d love to but I’m not obsessed with it. But it’s a fact that I’d love to be capped one day,” he said.