Yavru Kartal Magazine Fun Club members Zeynep Şimal Ateş and Duhan Altıntaş interviewed Beşiktaş’s Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida

Zeynep Şimal Ateş: Are you a member of Quaresma’s “gang”?
(Laughing)... There is no such thing as a “gang.” We are 4 Portuguese playing for Beşiktaş. We are not part of a gang but part of the team.
Duhan Altıntaş: How do you feel when you score a goal?
Scoring makes you feel great. The next thing better than that is probably spending time with your family, a feeling that takes away the pressure for awhile.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: We learned you had started playing football at the age of 13. Isn’t it a bit late?
No, you got it wrong. I started playing when I was eight and that’s the perfect age for football.
Duhan Altıntaş: You did not play at the 2009 UEFA Final because of your yellow-card suspension. What do you say about that?
 I felt terrible. You look forward to it the whole season and suddenly you find yourself in the stands. It was huge pains for me, but what can you it’s the rule.   
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: Did other Portuguese players on the team influence your decision of  signing with Beşiktaş?
Definitely… Having teammates speaking your native language helps you a lot in many ways. Besides, most of them were my friends from my adolescent years, and we had played together on the national team and various European clubs.     
Duhan Altıntaş: How did you start playing football?
My father was also playing and one day he took me to the selections. I got selected and that’s how I started.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: Name the manager who impacted your career the most! 
I cannot name one specific manager because they were all equally important for me. I learned a lot from them.
Duhan Altıntaş: How did you feel when you made your debut at the Fiyapı İnönü Stadium?
The atmosphere was incredible. I tried hard to keep my excitement under control. Playing in front of so many cheering fans was an experience I will never forget.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: How do you rate Beşikta fans?
They are the best I’ve seen so far.
Duhan Altıntaş: What would you say about Beşiktaş’s 16-year-old prospect Muhhamed Demirci, who is already being compared with Guti.
He is extremely talented but must work harder to gain a spot on the starting lineup.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: How did you find  İstanbul?
It is such a big city with so much to do and see. I am not used to these kind of cities, but I like it anyways. 
Duhan Altıntaş: Are you married?
Yes…
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: Do you think football and education can go together?
I know it is not easy at it sounds, but if  you put your mind to it and make some sacrifices, why not!
Duhan Altıntaş: When you don’t get to start, how do you feel?
Of course it is a little disheartening, but instead worrying about it, you stay focused on the game. Because you have to be ready when the manager may ask you to play any time.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: Do you get along well with Quaresma off the pitch?
Ricardo is one of my closest friends. As I told you before, we played together for various teams. I like him a lot; he is a fun guy to be with.  
Duhan Altıntaş: Why everyone wants to be striker?
The key thing in football is to score goals. Striker is the one who gets the most changes. As I said, you feel great after scoring a goal.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: Your views on the latest situation of Portuguese national team?
We had been struggling lately, but the coaching chance made a positive impact on the team, and we won our last two matches in our European Cup group. We expect to reach the finals.
Duhan Altıntaş: Your on the latest situation of  Beşiktaş; do you think you will take the Turkish cup?
Since we are in no position to win the league this season, we have set our eyes on the Turkish Cup ,which will book us a ticket to Europe. We are going through a difficult period right now, but we’ll do everything in our power to bring it home.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş: Finally, do you have any advices for the young players and their families?
For the young players I say, “ Never let your dreams fade away because some day they may come true.” And as for the parents, I advice them to support their children’s aspirations in that direction at all times.
Zeynep Şimal Ateş - Duhan Altıntaş: Thank you and good luck with your work.