Martim Fernandes: “An honour to be compared to an idol like João Pinto” | OneFootball

A broken nose, blood from his mouth, and difficulty breathing — but Martim Fernandes did not leave the pitch against Benfica in the Portuguese Cup. In an exclusive interview with O Jogo, the FC Porto full-back revealed what happened in that moment and how he experienced the days that followed one of the most striking images of Porto’s season.

The defender admits the sacrifice was not premeditated. When the doctor came onto the pitch, he asked whether his nose was broken — the answer was no. But the adrenaline of the game took care of the rest: blood was running from his mouth and he was constantly struggling to breathe, but it was only after he stopped, in the second half, that the pain truly set in. Over the next two days, the situation was difficult — unable to sleep and forced to keep his head raised at all times to stop the bleeding.

It was his father who told him about the comparison with João Pinto — the club’s historic full-back who once played with a broken toe. For Martim, who has the former Porto captain as his mentor within the club, the comparison was received with genuine emotion: “It is an honour to be compared to an FC Porto idol like him.”

As for the plantar fasciitis injury that has been troubling him, the young defender says it is now more under control than in earlier stages — when he could barely put his foot down — and he is relying on the medical department’s treatment to be fit for the decisive final stretch of the season.

Regarding the number 2 shirt, Martim has no ambitions: to him, that number belongs to Jorge Costa — “Bicho” — and will forever be sacred at the club. For now, 52 is more than enough.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.