Benfica João Mário Paulo Bernardo Association

STATEMENTS

João Mário and Paulo Bernardo visited this Thursday, December 22, the Criar-T association in Arrentela, Seixal, where they distributed gifts and met with about two dozen young people, who were delighted with the presence of the Benfica players.

"I believe and we all believe [to give joy to Benfiquistas in the National Championship and the Champions League]. We believe in our ideas, and in our work, proof of which is the work we have been doing. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the final four of the League Cup, but that doesn't hurt the team's confidence. We haven't won anything yet, there is still a long way to go. The focus has to be on that", claimed the midfielder of the team that leads the Liga Bwin.

"Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the final four of the League Cup, but that doesn't hurt the team's confidence. We haven't won anything yet, there is still a long way to go. The focus has to be on that"

João Mário

The team is focused on the next official match against SC Braga...

"I have seen the team train. We have been training well. We have an important match in Braga [on December 30, for matchday 14] and that is what we are focused on now", he stressed.

The recent thrashing suffered by SC Braga against Sporting (5-0) in the quarterfinal of the League Cup is not seen as a sign that SC Braga is a weaker team.

"I don't believe [the influence of the game against Sporting], they were different competitions, different matches. Obviously, it was a very good result for Sporting, but I have seen SC Braga play several times this year, I believe that at home they are very strong and will give a completely different response. It is up to us to know how to counteract that, and I am sure that the team will arrive in Braga very well", he praised.

"It is always good to return to a place where we feel well and are happy. Above all, I really like this group, our ideas, our daily life, and it is a joy to be back"

Back home, after representing Portugal in the Qatar World Cup...

"It is always good to return to a place where we feel well and are happy. Above all, I really like this group, our ideas, our daily life, and it is a joy to be back. How am I doing physically? It was an old problem, I had to solve it, and it was the perfect timing. I feel good, confident, and I am sure that in Braga I will be one hundred percent fit."

João Mário also congratulated his teammates, who became World Champions with Argentina.

"They are two spectacular teammates, they have done a great job in Benfica. They also did it playing for Argentina, and we have to congratulate them on that. Being World Champion, there is nothing greater, as a teammate, I am very happy for them, because they deserved it", he finished.