Vivaldo Semedo on life at Watford: “Every game is an opportunity” | OneFootball

Watford striker Vivaldo Semedo spoke to Portuguese media outlet zerozero, a sister website of Playmakerstats, and his first few months on his life in England.

Semedo has featured 27 times in the 2025/26 season, scoring four goals and adding two assists, many of his appearances coming from the bench. But rather than seeing that as a setback, he frames it as part of the learning curve.

“Massive difference in intensity”

The jump to English football has been obvious for him. Having already played in Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands, Semedo says the Championship still surprised him in terms of tempo and physicality.

“It’s a very big difference,” he explains. “When I arrived in pre-season I struggled a bit in the friendlies, but it’s like everything in life - the more you play, the easier it becomes.”

He also points to the relentless schedule as one of the biggest changes. The 46-game league structure initially felt overwhelming, but he now sees it differently: “It scares you a bit at first, but on the other hand it also gives you more chances to score and assist. I look at it in a positive way.”

Watford’s environment and project

Speaking about Watford, Semedo is clearly impressed with what he has found. He describes a club with a strong focus on youth and development, where progression is actively encouraged.

“We have a young squad and a club that believes a lot in young players,” he says. “The facilities are top level - staff, canteen, pitches - everything is very professional and players feel good here.”

He also references the club’s identity and history, including its connection with Elton John, but insists the day-to-day reality is very modern and performance-driven. In his words, it is “what you expect from a Championship and Premier League-level club”.

“It’s football - I see it as an opportunity”

A large part of Semedo’s season has involved coming off the bench, but he is calm and pragmatic about it.

“It’s true I’ve mostly been used as a substitute, but that’s football,” he says. “I work every day to play more, but I see it as an opportunity.”

He is also confident in the impact he can make when given minutes: “The goals I’ve scored have been important for the team and given us points. When you contribute like that, you feel valued.”

Settling into life in England

Beyond football, Semedo also reflects on the personal side of moving abroad at a young age. Living alone in England has been a major adjustment, but one he feels is shaping him positively.

“I’ve grown a lot as a person,” he admits. “Living alone in another country, different culture, different football - everything helps you mature.”

He also highlights the importance of relationships inside the squad, mentioning teammate Edoardo Bove, who joined the club after a difficult health setback. Semedo speaks warmly about him: “He’s a leader, a fighter, and a very good person. Everyone here has supported him.”

Despite everything, Semedo’s long-term ambitions remain intact but measured. He still dreams of representing Portugal at senior level, and keeps the door open for a possible return to Sporting CP in the future.

For now, though, his focus is firmly on continuing to develop in England and adapting to a league he does not hesitate to describe as one of the toughest in world football.