Favorites, pressure... and bracelets: Everything Vitinha had to say

— How have the first few moments in the USA been?

We've been feeling very good. We had the Club World Cup here in the United States last year, so we already know what to expect in terms of conditions. Miami is also an incredible place, and we're enjoying it and adapting well.

— At 26, did you ever imagine you'd be a two-time European champion and playing in your second World Cup?

I guess so, it was always what I wanted to do most; I never wanted to do anything else. Maybe it was my father's influence, not directly, but the fact that he was a player and I followed him. It was always what I wanted. I'm sure I dreamed of it, but I couldn't have predicted I'd achieve it. As I usually say, it's still a process. I've won many things, but I want to win more, including the World Cup.

— How are you feeling heading into the World Cup? How would you rate your season?

I feel very good, both physically and mentally. A rating? I don't like to grade myself, but it was a very good season for me and for the club. I want to finish it on a high note.

— Is Portugal a favorite?

We're not naive; we know we have a high-quality squad with a lot of talent and players at top clubs around the world. I'd even say that, for that very reason, we've never had a team like this. However, that means nothing on paper. So, I'd say we are contenders because of the strong team we have. Favorites? I wouldn't say that, I wouldn't use those words. We have to keep that in mind. We are a team with great ability and quality, and we have to put that into practice, doing our best for the national team.

— What makes this group capable of achieving something unprecedented?

If we all knew, we would have done it already. We know what always works is being humble, taking it one game at a time, and focusing on the near future, not too far ahead. We have the talent, but you also need a lot of dedication and commitment. That's what we try to do, and those are the perfect ingredients for us to leave here with good results. That's what we'll try to do. We welcome the position people put us in, but it means nothing if we don't apply it on the pitch. We are prepared and eager, because it's everyone's dream to play in the World Cup, and we will do everything to make it go well.

— If Portugal wins the World Cup, do you think you'll win the Ballon d'Or?

I still have much more to win, not just the World Cup. It's still a long way off, and it's too premature to talk about that. What I can say is that we can guarantee dedication and hard work. With that, we'll be much closer to achieving what we want.

— What do the bracelets mean? Is the World Cup more important than the Champions League?

When we met with the Prime Minister, he gave us this bracelet. He made sure we could wear it on the pitch; it has all the specifications for us to use it, with the names of all the players, plus the special name of Diogo Jota. He left it up to us whether we wanted to wear it and how. We received it with great affection and chose to all wear it. Is the World Cup more special than the Champions League? Different. It will certainly be very special to win such a huge trophy with the national team.

— Do you think DR Congo will try to shut down Portugal's midfield? Is scoring a goal for the national team an obsession?

DR Congo's tactics? I can't predict that right now. We're still going to talk about them, understand what they might or might not do. But if we focus on ourselves, it will be better, and things should go well.

First goal? Thanks for pointing out I haven't scored for the national team [laughs]. Yes, without a doubt, it's something I'd love to do, but never putting it ahead of what's best for the team. Obviously, if I score, it's great and good for the team, but often the opportunity doesn't arise, or it's not best to force it. If it happens, I'll clearly be very happy to help, and for it to be my first goal. This would be the best moment to get it.

— Do you feel squad rotation will be necessary in this group stage?

It will always be super important, and probably even more so because of the weather conditions, especially after another long season. But it's the same for everyone, that's the truth. We already experienced these temperatures and the same stadiums during the Club World Cup. We know it's difficult, but it's a World Cup. There are no excuses or conditions that can stop us from giving our all for the national team, and that's what we're going to do.

— Does being an 'anti-star' potentially hinder your career?

I feel very comfortable in that role, it's more natural, it's who I am. I would never change or be any other way to get more benefits, privileges, or whatever. I prefer to be this way, and I like everything that comes with it. I don't think it holds me back.

— Does the praise for Portugal's midfield create more pressure?

Instead of pressure, we can talk about responsibility; the choice of words makes a difference. On my part, and from the other midfielders and players, we can only guarantee a lot of hard work and dedication. We will leave everything on the pitch for what it means to play in the World Cup and also for the entire nation. It's always special when you represent your nation, your friends, your family. We can promise that.

— Is the topic of being favorites discussed among the players?

We don't talk about it directly, saying whether we should or shouldn't set the bar high. We all have enough experience from our clubs and the national team to know that you win tournaments by thinking about the immediate future. In the present, in the moment, in the next game. If we do that, we're much closer to winning. Taking it one game at a time is a cliché, but it works. Think about DR Congo, what to do, study the game well, give it our all, and hopefully, win. Then do the same in the second, third, and if we get through, which I hope we do, in the round of 16 and all the others.

— How are the hotel conditions? What message do you have for the Portuguese immigrants in the USA?

They're great. It's the second day, we're getting used to the time zone, the rest, the heat, but we're adapting well and enjoying it. I'd like to leave a message of thanks, mainly. We were very well received at the airport, at the hotel, here at the training center. What I can guarantee them is what I said before: a lot of hard work, dedication, and for them to know that we are very proud to represent Portugal. It's nothing new for me and others on the team to know how much immigrants hold Portugal in their hearts, how difficult it is to be far from your country. I go through that in France and I know firsthand how many people have so much love for Portugal while being far away. We can guarantee that.