The two players tell their story

The story of Salvador Blopa and Gabriel Silva began long before they both reached professional football. They grew up together at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, won trophies at youth level, and climbed the ladder side-by-side.

Of the 31 players called up for the training camp this week in the Algarve, 15 were part of the youth system at Sporting CP. Blopa and Silva spoke about this and more in an extensive interview.

Responsibility

"We're not wearing just any badge on our chests. We're representing Sporting Clube de Portugal, which for me is the best club in Portugal and in the world. It's a huge vote of confidence they've given to us," Blopa said.

"It's a source of pride for me, because I've always had the ambition to be among the best and now I'm here, among them. It also means that Sporting CP are investing in youth development, that we have very talented players who deserve at least to have an opportunity. We appreciate the chance that coach Rui Borges has given us and we can only promise more work and dedication."

Silva echoed his teammate's words, saying "It's another responsibility. Since I was little I trained on those pitches at the training ground, I went up through the ranks, and now being able to reach the main team is very rewarding. Now, it's about maintaining focus and giving our best for our club.”

"I feel very grateful to be here. It's gratifying to debut like this, in my city," acknowledged the striker, a starter in the match against the Celtic in his native Algarve.

From the Algarve to Lisbon

"From a young age I made these trips to the capital and started to adapt. With the sacrifice and the enjoyment of playing for Sporting CP, everything became easier. I trained here in the Algarve during the week and then, on the weekend, I went to Sporting CP’s facilities in Lisbon, played the game, and returned to the Algarve at night. It was a beautiful thing because we would arrive there, have lunch all together, and go to the game all together. Afterwards, we would still stay there playing football when the pitch was empty. It's something I'll never forget," recalled Silva.

Keeping their feet firmly on the ground

Blopa made his official debut at Alvalade in a Taça da Liga match against Alverca, followed by games in the UEFA Champions League and Liga Portugal last season.

"I always had it in my head that I had to do my job, day after day, whether on the pitch, in the gym or at home. I had no idea it would happen so quickly, but it must have been for a reason. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that Sporting CP have given me, for the confidence that the coaches have placed in me and I feel very happy. I will always give my best, whether in training or in games. I only promise more work, more dedication and even more effort on my part," underlined Blopa.

Support from the club

Both guarantee that the atmosphere in the group facilitates the integration of the younger players. For Gabriel Silva, the daily interaction with players he has watched representing the main team also constitutes an additional source of motivation.

"It gives me another boost to give my best, to play well. There is responsibility, of course, but I think it will help me a lot," he stated.

Blopa also highlighted the importance of the lessons he receives from his more experienced teammates.

"They pass on the advice they were given when they were my age: not to rush and to take it easy, confident that everything will come naturally, that it's not something forced. It will happen in its own time.”

Mutual admiration

The bond between the two remains intact. They grew up together, have known each other for many years, and closely follow each other's progress.

"I feel proud because he's another teammate from my generation who's here in the first team. I feel he's working well and that the coach is very confident in him. I hope he seizes the chance with everything he's got. Gabriel is a natural centre forward, he really likes to score goals, he has that drive to put the ball in the net. He could pass the ball a little more, but he still provides a lot of assists. He's a great player and he still has a lot more to offer," Blopa explained.

"Salvador is a very physically strong player. He needs to take advantage of his speed even more. I was very happy with his debut. I couldn't go to the stadium to watch the game, but I immediately sent him a message afterwards," Silva recalled.

A generation that continues to grow

It's no coincidence that the 2007 generation continues to stand out.

"We've always had good players, like [Geovany] Quenda, [João] Simões, Flávio [Gonçalves], but I think it comes a lot from the camaraderie we have,” said Blopa.

Silva also believes that this friendship explains much of the success that these young men are beginning to achieve.

"It was a generation that put in a great sacrifice. We always got along very well, and there are many quality players, whether they are here now or not. I believe that one day they too can be here like us," he predicted.

The idols of the future

"It's a source of pride. When I was the younger players’ age, I was also inspired by the players who were already here, like Nuno Mendes and Eduardo [Quaresma]. I was very inspired by them, and nowadays we are the ones inspiring other kids who are in the youth system. I just tell them to be patient. It could happen tomorrow or in a few weeks. When it's meant to be, it will be," advised Blopa.

Silva reinforced the message. "Talent alone isn't enough to be a player. Every time we step onto the pitch we have to be hardworking players, and always give our best in every training session. That's what makes the difference.”

Blopa continued by saying: "I can't forget those who helped me, because there were times in my development when I wasn't playing and they always advised me not to give up. People like Mr. Aurélio [Pereira], Dr. Aida [Ramos], my friends, those closest to me. So far it's going well, but it can still go much better, and I'm always very, very grateful, also to Mr. Tomaz [Morais], who always said, ‘Salvador, it's not how it starts, it's always how it ends.’”