Nuno Mendes confides "I always wanted to play at PSG"

Nuno Mendes, 19-year-old left-back who arrived at Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and under contract until 2023, spoke to PSG TV in the Break Time section. The Portuguese international spoke about his coming to PSG, his family, the city of Paris, his personality and his goals.

The first thing you do when you get home?

When I get home, I sit on the couch and hang out on my phone (laughs). I play too.

Do you stop to think about everything you have already done in football?

Yes, I think about it sometimes. I remember everything I did to get here and I'm proud of myself.

Do you watch your matches to improve?

Yes, I still watch them. It's hard, but that's what we're here for.

Do you watch a lot?

Almost every day, my TV is only on football channels (laughs).

Are you keeping Portuguese football?

Yes, French football too. I also watch the Premier League.

How was it to choose to come to PSG?

It was an easy choice, let's say, because I always wanted to play at PSG and now I'm here. I am very happy to be here.

Could your father have imagined that you played with Paris, with great players like Mbappé, Messi or Neymar?

No… Not even at Sporting. He couldn't see me play there. But he must certainly be proud, proud of me..

What was it like working with these players at the start?

It was strange at first but I really enjoyed it and I like sharing the locker room with them. They are great people, great players, of course. There have been many players who have shared the locker room with Neymar, Messi or Mbappé, but the three together are very difficult and I managed to do it. I am very happy to share the locker room with them and all my other teammates.

You are also with Cristiano Ronaldo in selection…

Yes, there are a lot of very good players in the national team, just like here. I am really very happy to live these moments and I am grateful.

How was the discovery of the city of Paris?

Paris is beautiful. When I arrived it was weird because everything was different from Lisbon. What surprised me right away was the traffic (laughs). I was leaving to be on time but I was late. Now, I'm used to it and I'm anticipating.

Do you also like to draw and paint?

Yes, it's a hobby for me. I really like these things.

Are you someone focused on the present moment?

I am quiet, I like to have fun and distract myself with other things.

Your youth?

It was pretty quiet humanly. I've always been surrounded by good people and I think that's one reason why I can be where I am today.

Does your family come to Paris to see you?

My mother comes regularly yes. My older brother is here too and watch other come will come. They are coming little by little.

Has your mother ever seen you play at the Parc des Princes?

Yes, the first time she saw me play professionally was here. She had not come to Portugal. She was working all the time.

How did you get started?

It was obvious, football came into my life. I played with my friends and my first coach was my physical education teacher. He took me to his club and I started playing.

What are your dreams?

I have already achieved several but maintain my level permanently until I finish my career and win a lot of titles. I want to help my teammates as much as possible. That's my goal in football.

Are you still down to earth?

Family and football help me. My surroundings help me understand that humility is very important. I think that nothing is done without humility.

What can we wish you for this year?

To win what is possible without hurting myself.