Joao Mario: I would adapt quickly to La Liga

Inter Milan paid €40 million for the services of Joao Mario but the midfielder has failed to live up to expectations.

Eder’s fortunate goal made Portugal the European champions in 2016. They have followed it up with UEFA Nations League. Portugal are going strong but not all members of winning squad have had stellar careers.

Renato Sanches has been the biggest casualty of achieving so much so early in his career. Joao Mario’s career is following a similar trajectory. He starred for Portugal and earned a €40 million plus €5 million in bonuses move to Inter Milan.

It did not materialize as Mario would have hoped. After failing to make the grade, he has been sent out on loan to West Ham United and Lokomotiv Moscow. Another such deal is on the cards and the 27-year-old has chimed in on his wants.

Mario shared that he wants Spain to be his next destination. The midfielder explained that since the playing style employed in native Portugal is similar to La Liga, he will be better able to play his natural game.

“I want to try new experiences. I would like to play in La Liga because I think it’s the League that suits me best,” he told AS. “I like the way Spanish teams play.”

“The culture at Sporting, where I grew up, is very close to Spanish football. I think I would adapt quickly.”

“I would love to play in Spain. There are great teams there, it’s very competitive. Looking at the competitions where I have not played, that’s the one that attracts me the most.”