Fábio Silva Admits Desire for FC Porto Return: "It's a Regret in My Career"

Fábio Silva became the first player to speak publicly under Jorge Jesus's tenure as national team coach. The Borussia Dortmund forward discussed his initial impressions of the new manager and expressed his desire to return to Portugal and FC Porto in the future.

"I'm very happy to be here. The characteristics Coach Jorge Jesus mentioned... I'm a forward who offers something different; I'm not a static player or one who gets easily marked in the box. I'm a player who can drop deep to link up play, operate in various positions, and I can demand the ball to feet or in behind. I feel I can offer a lot to what the coach wants," he stated to journalists, when asked about his return to the national team and if he expected more opportunities.

"I don't see it that way; I've played at every youth level and always tried my best. I always aimed to reach the senior national team as soon as possible. I'm here and happy. Age is just a number. There's always time. I'm going to make the most of it, learn, and show the coach that I want to be here more often and be an important part of this team," he said, addressing the fact that he plays in Cristiano Ronaldo's position.

"It's a pleasure to be here and learn from Ronaldo. He's an idol. He's the person I've always looked up to. I try to learn from him and understand where I can improve. Everyone knows his value, and it's a source of pride to experience these moments with him," he declared, discussing his first few days with Jorge Jesus.

"It's been excellent. The coach needs no introduction. I must be one of the few who hasn't had the chance to work with him. I know how much better players become under him. I'm another one who wants to improve, and I believe I can learn a great deal. The coach will guide me on what I can improve. I'll try to learn, listen, and then execute," he revealed.

"The quality across all areas of the pitch is evident. Everyone here understands the weight of representing Portugal. We have a strong squad, which gives the coach selection headaches. I'm here to learn and be another player to help," he added, when confronted about the recent classic where FC Porto defeated Benfica: "I watched the game and my club. Everyone knows I'm a Porto fan and I follow them closely. You never know what the future holds. It's a regret I have in my career, the hasty way I left FC Porto. One day, who knows, if the circumstances align, I would like to return," he mused, commenting on his strong start to the season: "When I left FC Porto, I wasn't as well-prepared, especially going to the Premier League. I feel like a more complete player now, though I'm not yet at my peak. I still have a lot to improve. I feel better and better."