Rafael Martins: “Joao Mario Deserves The Exceptional Moment He Is Going Through”

Rafael Martins, a former teammate of Inter star Joao Mario, has recalled his time with the EURO 2016 Champion and the difference he made for him.

“Joao Mario is a crack and a genius, we played together at Vitória Setúbal in 2014 when Sporting Lisbon loaned him out. As soon as he arrived, he told me: ‘You know how to score, all you have to do is move well.’

“Before his arrival on the team, I scored two goals in six months, and after four months together I scored 15 goals in 13 games,” Martins, who is now plying his trade in China, told ESPN.com.

Four years on from playing with him, Martins was happy to see his former teammate doing well for himself.

“He is a guy who is reaping what he sowed. He has worked hard and has a great potential. Now he is going through an exceptional moment and he deserves it.”