Players’ reaction to Euro 2008 selection

“I’ll leave my mark on this tournament” - Quaresma

Nani, Manchester United:
“My objective is just to be part of the national squad and contribute to this team. The Portuguese people want titles and now is the time to give them one. The national team has a lot of talent and we will have a good showing.”


Jorge Ribeiro, Boavista:
“This is a surprise! I have never been at a big competition and because of that, I had my doubts. This is huge joy. I almost cannot describe what I am feeling. This is everything that I had wished for.

“It has come at the right time and at a good moment of my career. Now I just want to arrive at the training camp with a lot of strength to prove that I deserved this call-up. This is the happiest day of my career. I’m really happy and I’m going to give everything I’ve got for Portugal.”


Quim, Benfica:
“Above everything else, I expected to be selected. Now I must work hard and give my best, as I have done with my club. Everything I have done was to play, but the choices are Scolari’s. I will give my best to help Portugal go as far as possible. I do my job with the conviction that I will be able to play.

“The previous national teams had more experience, but this team is very good. There are a lot of young players, but of great quality. We must be untied as well, and the training camp will be important in this aspect.

“We do not have players like Figo, Pauleta and Rui Costa, who were always important on the field, but unfortunately we longer have them, but we have others who can be just as important.”


Rui Patricio, Sporting:
“I had a little bit of hope of being called up and I am very happy to be at the European finals. It’s a dream for any player. We must advance past the group phase and, afterwards, we will see. Ricardo and Quim are two excellent goalkeepers. I believe Portugal are very well served in this position.”

Quaresma, FC Porto:
“In terms of the collective, I expect the team to be good and manage to achieve what we intend on doing. At the individual level, I will leave my mark. I was expecting to be selected as I have worked very hard for this.”


Hugo Almeida, Werder Bremen:
“I am so happy! This is a great honour. I am euphoric to have reached my first big competition. The first objective to be part of the squad of 23 has been achieved. Now I must work hard and afterwards the one who decides is the coach.

“To be called up and be one of the best 23 players is a huge achievement. I will contribute what I can so that the national team has success. I will give my best.”


Related: Scolari announces Euro 2008 squad
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