Irish striker pleased with adaptation so far – audio interview
Despite admitting he is still finding his feet in Portugal, Irish striker Padraig Amond says “it’s been a fantastic experience so far and I’m really enjoying it.”
Amond signed for Pacos de Ferreira on transfer deadline day. The marksman faces tough competition at the northern club, which has no fewer than eleven forwards on its books, including the highly rated duo of Mario Rondon and Nelson Oliveira.
“It’s been very good so far. I’m enjoying it an awful lot. I’d like to play a lot more than what I am at the minute but that comes with trying to adapt to the game. The football over here is a lot better than what it was back in Ireland. But it’s been fantastic so far and I’m really enjoying it,” said the 22-year-old.
Amond was a talented hurler in his teens before opting for the football pitch, and played at one of Ireland’s major stadiums, Croke Park, but he admits getting a feel of the action at the Estadio da Luz and Alvalade was something special.
“They’re probably the two best stadiums I’ve played in. The whole infrastructure around them is fantastic.”
To listen to the full interview click on the play button below:
Asked to compare the training methods in Portugal and Ireland, Amond says there is a noticeable difference. “Here there’s more emphasis on your skill, your touch and your passing whereas back home it’s not about that, it’s about being intense, being in people’s faces. It’s a good thing for me to try and adapt to.”
As for his general adaptation to the country, three months have been sufficient for Amond to become a big fan of Portuguese cuisine, although he admits getting to grips with the language is a challenge, and is also pleased the heat has now subsided.
“The lads have a laugh at me in training, they think it’s cold and I’m standing there in shorts and a T-shirt and I think it’s warm.
“The first day I arrived here it was 38 degrees, having left Ireland at three o’clock in the morning where it was minus three. But I’ve slowly got used to the temperature and it’s starting to rain now, so it’s getting more like my weather from back home in Ireland!”
well done padraig hope it goes well for ya,but i bet if you had of stayed at sligo they would have won the treble thank god you left :) al the best youll always be a rovers hero thats sligo and shamrock
zack
5
Tuesday, 23 November 2010 22:22
Dan/Ireland/Encarnado
ireland, not uk
Padraig Amond
4
Tuesday, 23 November 2010 01:44
Ciaran Adams/ Sligo,Ireland.
Lets get one thing straight. He's not from the UK. He's from Ireland. Go n'eiri an bothar leis. Good luck to you Padraig and may you have every success at Pacos De Ferreira. You are missed here at Sligo Rovers FC where you remain the Club's top scorer this season despite your absence for the latter part of it. Thanks for your major contribution to a fantastic year for us which culminated in the Cup Double. Obrigado. Ciaran (Sligo Rovers supporter).
Amond
3
Monday, 22 November 2010 20:38
Miguel - Madrid
Interesting and funny interview. Hope Amond makes some history on portuguese football.
Congratulations Portugoal for this exclusive and good luck for Amond.
Congrats
2
Monday, 22 November 2010 18:24
Zack/Spain
Good to hear a foreigner from the UK is settling in portuguese top flight. I really hope the league becomes more international and get more european prodigees in.
keep fighting for that place
1
Monday, 22 November 2010 17:24
torpiano, uk
Thanks for the interview, good to hear you're settling into Portuguese football.
Keep fighting for that place in the first team, you have impressed so far - if you could score a hat-trick the next time you play Benfica that would be nice. Don't even think about scoring against Porto though ;o)
"Real Madrid played the best football in the world this year, even though we didn't win a European competition. They (Real Madrid board) have confidence in me and believe I'm the ideal coach for this team until 2016."
José Mourinho(Real Madrid coach, after signing contract extension at Real Madrid)
Padraig Amond enjoying his Portuguese adventure
Despite admitting he is still finding his feet in Portugal, Irish striker Padraig Amond says “it’s been a fantastic experience so far and I’m really enjoying it.”
Congratulations Portugoal for this exclusive and good luck for Amond.
Keep fighting for that place in the first team, you have impressed so far - if you could score a hat-trick the next time you play Benfica that would be nice. Don't even think about scoring against Porto though ;o)