Diogo Leite: From FC Porto to 1. FC Union and Playing with Ronaldo

Defender Diogo Leite (24) has become a fixture throughout the season 1. FC Union become. Reward: The Portuguese was invited to his country’s national team for the first time in the spring. In the BILD interview, Leite tells how he became a superstar there Cristiano Ronaldo (38) encountered what his favorite food is in Germany and how important the premier class final Saturday against Freiburg will be.

BILD: Diogo, who is the greatest footballer of all time for you? Lead: “Definitely Cristiano Ronaldo! I saw him play a lot and grew up with him. He’s a big one for me too. When I was with the national team in March, I played with him and against him in training.”

BILD: How was it? Lead: “He’s on a different level as a player. You can’t stop him. He’s very quick and technical with the ball, he always gets past you with the ball. It was a dream of mine to be in the national team when he’s still there.”

BILD: Some have a negative image of Ronaldo. Can you understand that? Lead: “I don’t understand why this is happening. Ronaldo is a great guy with zero star airs. I was very happy to train and play with him. He is very open and friendly, tries to help all players to move the team forward quickly. He told me that he always has an open ear for me, just like everyone else.”

BILD: Pepe, your former teammate at FC Porto, once praised you to the skies. He said you are Portugal’s best centre-back and you’re going to be a force in the national team. Lead: “He’s a big thing for me, not just as a footballer but also as a person. He helped me a lot when I came to Porto and has done so to this day. We are friends and I spoke to him before I came to Berlin. He gave me advice which I try to stick to because this is my first experience abroad he has been through a lot.”

BILD: What do you find so special about Berlin? Lead: “I really like the club and the city. Of course I saw the remains of the Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, museums. When my family comes to visit, we walk around the city a lot and look at the historical places. My family is very happy that I play here. She was in the stadium and thought the atmosphere was wonderful.”

BILD: Do you like German food?’ Lead: “I prefer Portuguese food, but I can find everything I need in Berlin. Schnitzel has become my favorite meal in Berlin. I can also speak a little bit of the language and try to order my food in German in the restaurant and do my shopping in German in the supermarket.”

“I don’t know my future”

BILD: It would be surprising if Union didn’t take the 7.5 million euro purchase option from you. Are you staying in Berlin? Lead: “I can’t answer that question. I’m very happy in Berlin, but I don’t know my future. A lot depends on Union. I feel everyone’s trust, I was amazed at how they welcomed me and treated me. From the bosses, the coaches and teammates to the fans. I hope everything goes well and let’s see what happens at the end of the season.”

BILD: There will be a duel against Freiburg on Saturday. Is it the decisive factor in the fight for the Champions League? Lead: “All the games we still have to play are crucial. I played in the Champions League with Porto and of course I want to be back in this competition.”