Pele riding high at Inter

Sparkling midweek display earns starlet rave reviews

Maniche may have made the headlines recently when he joined Italian champions Inter on a loan deal for the remainder of the current season, but another Portuguese midfielder is currently taking the plaudits with the Nerazurri.

Vitor Hugo Gomes Pacos, known by his nickname ‘Pele’, arrived at the San Siro in August a relative unknown outside Portugal, with his reputation enhanced by a strong showing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup after playing sparingly at Vitoria Guimaraes last season.

However, since making his debut as a substitute in September and being handed his first start in December, the man cast aside by Benfica as an 18-year-old is now beginning to make an impression with the Serie A leaders.

Having been involved in most of Inter’s recent matches, Pele was handed a start on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia first leg tie with Juventus. With his side down to ten men after the early dismissal of Nicolas Burdisso, Pele was an inspirational figure in midfield as the champions took a two-goal lead after the teams went into the break level.

The 20-year-old provided an inch-perfect cross for Julio Cruz to get the opener, before lighting up the remainder of the match with some trademark extravagant footwork, although his performance proved a rare bright spark as the visitors snatched a 2-2 draw ahead of the second leg in Turin.

Mancini praise

After the match, Inter manager Roberto Mancini was quick to praise the Porto native for his contribution: “Compliments to Pele,” he said. “He played very well. He showed great personality in the middle of the pitch and showed his qualities. Let’s hope he continues on this path.”

Goalkeeper Francesco Toldo also had words of praise for Pele, while president Massimo Moratti labelled his performance “excellent” and the youngster himself admitted to being happy with the way things went, at the same time revealing he is feeling more and more at home in the star-studded squad.

“I’m happy with my performance, I think I played a good match,” he told the Inter Channel after the game. “I did everything to help the team and I’m feeling more and more part of it.

“Thanks to Mancini for his compliments. I thank him for what he said, and for giving me the chance to play against Juventus.

“I’m pleased about my assist for Cruz’s goal. I’m always happy when I create a scoring chance for my team-mates. The only thing that counts is that the team does well.”