Inter and Portuguese international midfielder Joao Mario shared his delight at the welcome he and his Portugal teammates received upon returning home after their 2-1 defeat to Uruguay at the last 16 stage which spelt the end of their time at the ongoing World Cup.
“This is proof that the people are very close to the national team, we have done our best and I am happy that people show us this solidarity,” the midfielder told the reporters outside the airport soon after arriving back on Portuguese soil.
He concluded, “I am very proud of the work done at World Cup as it is a tough tournament. We have seen how Spain has also been eliminated, and in the future I will do everything to be able to be called up again.”
The 25-year-old played in all four of Portugal’s games at the tournament in Russia for a total of 260 minutes but was unable to contribute with either a goal or assist.
