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| Friday, 16 October 2009 19:32 |
Portugal hero Pedro Mendes returns to Scotland on highMidfielder speaks on Rangers life Pedro Mendes is currently living some of the best moments of his career so far, having earned glowing reviews across Portugal for his part in helping the Seleccao to a World Cup play-off place with victories over Hungary and Malta.Now the 30-year-old midfielder returns to domestic action with Scottish champions Rangers, where he enjoys a similarly high status. Speaking to Record at the airport on his way to Glasgow, Mendes, who many believe has played himself into Portugal's first-choice starting line-up, was asked about his experiences in Scotland since his move from Portsmouth last summer, and in particular his standing amongst the Gers supporters. “All the players are of the same level, I’m no different to anybody else,” he insists. “I’ve been very well received here. The first person I spoke to when I arrived was Sandy Jardine, who is part of the history of the club and played for Rangers between 1965 and 1982. He showed me around and explained about the mystique of the club, before I even spoke with the president and sports directors.” Mendes’ popularity at Ibrox also owes something to his performances against arch rivals Celtic, against whom he famously scored just weeks after signing for the club. Asked about the rivalry between the clubs supporters, which extends beyond the pitch and often into religious and political disputes, Mendes admits that there is a strong sense of anticipation in the build-up to the ‘Old Firm’ derbies. “The rivalry is many years old and the feeling is very passionate,” he said. “The week leading up to the Old Firm matches, I tend not to go out much, because the atmosphere is more intense. I must stress, though, that I have never felt intimidated or been mistreated. There has always been plenty of respect from the fans of both Rangers and Celtic.” |
Martin is right, many people said bad things about Mendes when he was called up and we have Quieroz to thank for calling him up.
I still think some of Quieroz's picks are strange...like Ferreira...and I will admit that Meireles didn't look so good in the last game, but I think overall Quieroz is improving.
Speaking of Meireles, who would make a good replacement for him? Don't say Moutinho because he is too small. Watch him play for Sporting...he gets outmuscled too easily and that won't work against a team like the Ukraine or Ireland.
Every body need to thank Carlos Q for Giving him the chance to Show what he can offer for Portugal.
I saw some Portugal fans post some bad comment about His selection.
I'm sure they're will be many Portugal shirts sold in Scotland in support of Mendes!
The toughest decision Queiroz has to make is whether to start Bruno Alves or Pepe as Ricardo Carvalho's partner in central defense.
Mendes would be a better option,
Portugal need your Sup to lift the wc 2010.