European champions welcomed in apotheosis

The U-19 national team became European Champion after beating Italy by 3-4 in the final. In the squad led by Hélio Sousa there are five benfiquistas: Florentino, Nuno Santos, João Filipe, Mesaque Dju and José Gomes.

From Seinajoki (Finland) to Lisbon, there was a big celebration, with the peak taking place at the Humberto Delgado Airport, where many Portuguese people welcomed the youngsters in apotheosis.

Still in Finland, the Benfica forward José Gomes spoke about what he was experiencing after winning a new European title after the one with the U-17's in 2016. “This moment is amazing”, he said.

Nuno Santos praised the team and stressed what the team did in the final against the Italians.

“I thought it would be a very difficult match as all the other and it was. What we showed on the pitch has great value. We are a strong team individually, but also as a group”, he highlighted.

Benfica’s midfielder Florentino highlighted the work that has been carried out by the several generations of Portugal throughout the years.

“It is the fulfillment of a work developed throughout the years. This is a title for Portugal”, he pointed out.

On Portuguese soil, at the Humberto Delgado Airport, in Lisbon, João Filipe, who won the Golden Boot of the tournament, a prize shared with Trincão (five goals), was pleased with his individual performance but pointed out the team’s feat.

“This Euro, at the individual level, was amazing. In the end, what counts is what we have achieved as a team. To have won this title is fantastic for all Portuguese people. What I have achieved individually was with the help of the team, both on and off the pitch. I am happy, but the victory is what has pleased me the most”, he said, in statements to BTV.

Mesaque Dju said that this title results from “a lot of work”. “We worked to win this title. This moment is amazing, we are very happy”, he admitted.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: FPF