Fábio Silva happy at Dortmund despite the numbers, still harbours Portugal ambition | OneFootball

Silva reflects on six months at Dortmund (Getty Images)

Last summer, Portuguese striker Fábio Silva continued what has become a nomadic football journey by moving to the seventh club of his career, each of which have been in a different country.

By joining Borussia Dortmund, Silva added Germany to a list which includes Portugal, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Scotland and Spain. A permanent move to the Bundesliga offered some much-needed stability after a series of loan moves, but this season has not been without further doubt as the 23-year-old attempts to make his current house a home.

Injury problems disrupted the early stage of the campaign and Silva’s initial adaptation period. Silva’s first ten appearances came as a substitute, yielding a respectable return of one goal and two assists. It was December before the former Porto man was handed his first start, since when his involvement has become more regular. Nevertheless, his name has occasionally been linked with yet another move after just half a term in German football.

The stats sheet shows a return of just 2 goals from 31 appearances, of which 23 have been from the bench. Six assists demonstrate a wider contribution, but Silva insists fans who have watched him during his time at Signal Iduna Park will take a more positive view of his showings than those who merely glance at the record book.

"[After six months] I feel good,” he told Sky Sports Germany. “I think I'm doing a good job. Of course, people look a lot at the numbers; today football is all about numbers, not so much about performance or how you play. I don't like that very much because I believe football is much more than that.

“But in the games where I was in the starting eleven, I had good numbers, and people see what I can give to the team. I always try to use my energy, score goals, make assists, and help my teammates both offensively and defensively. All the fans and everyone at the club can see that.

“I'm happy because it wasn't easy at the beginning because of my injury and the operation. But I continue to fight, to work with the guys in the gym to be in the best shape, and I think everyone can see what I can give to them and to the club."

Asked what distinguishes Dortmund, who are currently enjoying a fine season and occupy second spot in the German top flight, Silva was quick to pay tribute to the club’s fanbase. Dortmund have become famous for routinely recording the highest average home attendance in Europe, with over 81,000 supporters filling the stadium for each match.

"The fans [are what make it different] the fans are the club,” he replied. “If you take away the fans, the club is no longer the same. Here you feel that more and more with each game. When you come out to warm up and you already see the yellow wall, everyone singing, it's crazy and incredible. I've always seen that on television and now I have the opportunity to play for them. The fans are the best thing about the club."

Silva’s lack of numbers may not tell the full story of his time in Germany, but it is likely a reason he has not been called by Portugal coach Roberto Martínez ahead of the World Cup. With just one cap to his name, earned under Martínez in 2024, Silva remains a prospect for the future, where he still harbours ambitions with his country.

"In Portugal we have many good players with a lot of quality. It's difficult for the coach to decide which players to call up. I have to accept that and do the things I can control, which is my daily routine here at Dortmund. I'm very happy at this club, which trusts me and wanted me here.

“I have ambition and I want to be in the Seleção, but what I can control is my daily training here, to improve and perform in games. Things happen sooner or later on their own."