“When I joined the national team, one could notice a little that there was a North and a South, and even more so, there is no such thing in our working group. We are protecting the country.”
This is how Pepe reacted to the episode of insults that Joao Felix was subjected to by some fans who were waiting for the selection next to the hotel where the team is concentrated in Sant Felix da Marinha, Gaia.
The athlete was driving a car with his parents when the fans turned to him with more aggressive words and even broke the windows of the car.
Pepe downplays this episode, believing that the team will get more support in the final stage of the Nations League game against Switzerland (Wednesday, 19:45) in Dragao. “I know the inhabitants of the North and I am sure that all the fans will provide maximum support and support. This support is very important for us, and we feel it from the North to the South,” the defender concluded.
Youth and Sports Minister Joao Paulo Ribeiro also reacted to the episode involving the 19-year-old athlete, admitting that it was an isolated incident.
“The stupid behavior of one, two or half a dozen people does not represent the absolutely hegemonic support that the country gives to our players, especially when they are wearing a Selection jersey. I have no doubt about that,” the minister said. about what happened.
“We want to win the race”
Pepe announced Wednesday’s match against Switzerland in the semi-finals of the League of Nations. The centre-back, 36, rejects favoritism but says the team is a trophy candidate. “We want to win the race, we are candidates. It is important for us, for the fans and for our country to win this competition,” he said.
Against a Swiss opponent, he guarantees confidence but defends caution. “This is a team that, after losing 2-0 to Belgium, changed their tactics and won 5-2, which is a testament to their good team,” he said.
Author: Jose Eduardo Casao
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.