Simao Sabrosa: “Luis Figo is my role model”
Winger believes Portugal have toughest World Cup group
 Despite his club’s indifferent form, Simao Sabrosa is enjoying an excellent season in the Spanish capital for Atletico Madrid. The former Benfica captain has spoken about the influence on is career of compatriot Figo, his positive outlook on life and Portugal’s World Cup prospects.
Speaking to FIFA.com, the 30-year-old Simao says that Figo was the player he aspired to emulate as he was learning his trade.
“I modelled myself on Luis Figo, no doubt about it. I used to go and watch him train from the age of 13, when I joined Sporting’s academy. I always dreamed of being like him. I was later fortunate enough to play alongside Luis at Sporting, Barcelona and for the national team, and he was always happy to give me advice.
“In fact, he still does because we live in the same city now he’s retired. He continues to be an example for everyone to follow, whether they are professionals or children just starting out.”
Smiling away the pressure
As well as his mesmerising dribbling skills and majestic free-kick taking, Simao is known for playing a football with a smile on his face. Interestingly, the former Sporting and Barcelona player says he uses this demeanour as an antidote to the pressure of the game.
”I’m always talking about happiness because a smile is the best cure for pressure. A footballer’s life can become routine: matches, training, playing every three days, travelling. It’s important to relax a bit and try to enjoy each moment, to smile and be cheerful.”
In World Cup year, Simao was obviously asked about the prospects of the Seleccao and particularly about the draw that had many pundits pointing to Group G as the group of death in South Africa.
First game crucial
“It’s the toughest group at the competition. Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea - it’s so difficult! If we want to progress, we’re going to have to reproduce our form from the last few qualifiers.
“It’s vital to win, or get at least a point, in our first game against the Africans. Our opponents are very strong, we know that, but we’ll have time to prepare for that encounter. It’s the most important game of our World Cup.
“Given the group we’ve been drawn in, our main aim is getting through to the last 16. Then we’ll see what happens, but if we can get through then anything’s possible.”
by Tom Kundert
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Forca Simao!
Forca Simao, lets keep this good form heading into S. Africa.