After 13 years representing Estoril Basket, from U12 to senior level, with some breaks to play elsewhere, the time has come to close this chapter — how are you feeling at this moment of farewell?
This farewell has been postponed over the last three years, which shows how difficult it is to leave something that means so much to me. That said, it’s been a calm process. Closing this chapter brings a sense of peace and fulfillment. Looking back at the journey, all the people I’ve met, the places I’ve lived — it’s definitely a mix of emotions.
How did your connection to basketball and the club begin, and what memories do you keep from those early days?
My connection to basketball came through trying different sports that didn’t quite suit me. I started with the classic football, but that didn’t last long. Eventually, I tried basketball.
I began at Lombos because it was closer to home, but since they didn’t have male teams for progression, I would eventually have to move clubs. At just the right moment, the opportunity came to join Estoril, through an invitation from the current president Carlos Silva Pereira and his father. It was at the Ajuda pavilion, during those iconic minibasket gatherings.
That’s how my story with EBC began. I remember the energy across all age groups, the warmth, and the family atmosphere within the club. Summer training sessions, internal tournaments, club lunches, Christmas dinners — all this synergy between players, parents, the president, and staff.
Looking back at your journey, how would you describe your development from youth levels to the senior team?
From minibasket, my dream was always to play at the highest level in Portugal — that was the starting point. My journey at Estoril began with becoming national U14 champion and continued with competing in district and national finals up to U18.
Every year we managed to compete at the highest stages nationally. Later, I joined the senior team at 17, full of ambition to prove myself and succeed. Gradually, I earned my place and developed as a player.
What was the impact of transitioning to senior level, and when did you feel you truly established yourself?
I’d say at 18 or 19 I managed to fully transition to senior basketball, where combining physical ability with game knowledge becomes essential.
At 19, I had my first professional experience with Sampaense. I arrived as the 10th player, without having proven myself, but I seized the opportunity and ended up becoming part of the starting five, gaining responsibility within the team. That was the year I truly believed I could play at that level.
Over the years, who were the people (coaches or teammates) who most shaped your journey?
I can’t name everyone without being unfair, but all my teammates, coaches, staff, and club members played a role. I hold special affection for places I passed through, like CAB Madeira, for both teammates and everyone involved in the club. At Belenenses, despite a small management structure, they were tireless in every way. During a crucial stage of my development, I also highlight my time at the High Performance Center.
And finally, everyone I met at Estoril Basket - President Sr. Vítor, all the parents, all the friends I made for life. I carry all these people with me.
What was the highest moment of your career - the one you’ll always remember?
I can’t single out just one, but I treasure moments like my first experience in the top league, reaching the playoffs for the first time, promotion battles, my time playing in Spain, and becoming national U14 champion with Estoril Basket — which was especially emotional as a small club in both size and history. The Basketball Festivals in Portimão and Albufeira were also among the most exciting moments in youth basketball.
And the most difficult moment - one that truly tested you?
The hardest moment was my serious knee injury and the months of recovery that followed. And then there’s something common to all athletes: bouncing back after losing confidence. Rebuilding that energy and mental space is something we learn to do again and again. These are constant small battles that test us.
How would you describe the environment and the spirit at Estoril Basket over the years?
Estoril has always been a family-oriented club, with a strong connection between all age groups. In recent years, we’ve struggled without having a home pavilion. But we’re on the right path, and I hope we can restore that spirit, combined with the winning and competitive culture I experienced throughout my development.
What does the club mean to you beyond the player you were on the court?
I will always hold Estoril Basket with great affection and respect. I wish the club every success and hope it reaches its full potential. The memories, from childhood to the end of this 20-year journey, fill my heart. It’s a full circle, and it couldn’t have ended any better. I’m very happy it was possible to finish like this.
To finish, what message would you like to leave to the younger players and everyone who followed your journey?
To everyone who supported me along the way, thank you! It was a huge pleasure to share this experience with all the people I crossed paths with. All the sacrifices, the travel, the hours invested, the summers spent training, the team moments, and the friendships created — it was all worth it. I would do it all again.
To the younger players, I leave a message of hope: it is possible to achieve your goals with dedication and hard work. And in the end, regardless of the level you reach, it is always worth it.
On behalf of everyone at Estoril Basket, we extend our deepest gratitude for these years of dedication, commitment, and passion for the club. More than the games, titles, or statistics, what remains is the way you always represented this club — with dedication, respect, and a true sense of belonging. You are, and always will be, one of us.
Thank you for everything.
