“I think I’m ready for Bayern Munich”
In an interview for the magazine Appearance, Renato Sanches talks about his achievements during his career and the choices he had to make. Like joining Bayern Munich when he was only 19 years old.
Renato Sanches is only 25 years old, but he has experienced many moments of ecstasy and nightmares. His adventure before arriving at Paris Saint-Germain was long and full of pitfalls. From his training at SL Benfica, to the fantastic year 2016 and his bittersweet experience at Bayern Munich: the PSG midfielder talks about the different stages of his football life.
His training was at SL Benfica
The fiery midfielder recalls his first steps as a footballer with the Lisbon club and he has fond memories of them: “The experience at Benfica’s academy was very good. Like the rest of my family, I’m a fan of the club, so I dreamed of playing there when I was young. I’m lucky never to feel any pressure in the middle, I’m just proud and focused on this opportunity, to improve and stand out. »
Away from his family like most young players, Oh Bulo not shaken by this situation, quite the opposite: “When I was at the academy, I didn’t miss my family and friends because I played football. I feel I have everything I need. »
What a great 2016
In 2016, the promise rose through the ranks and was spotted by Rui Vitoria, the Eagles’ first-team coach at the time. At just 18 years of age, he has put together top-class performances both in the league and in the Champions League and what a year it will be to mark the Lusitan man: “2016 was a special year for me, everything happened so fast. First, I played in Benfica’s first team, then in the national team, everything went well, I couldn’t have dreamed of better, even if it ended there. »
And finally, it didn’t stop there for the kid who was called up at the end of the season for Euro 2016. He didn’t just make an act of presence, he was one of the main elements for the conquest of the first trophy in the event. history of the Selecao. The Portuguese still has stars in his eyes when he describes this achievement: “When we won Euro 2016 in France, I fulfilled a dream. I won everything that season, I couldn’t ask for more. I hope to get past this moment, but for now winning Euro 2016 is the biggest achievement of my career. »
He was rewarded for all these laudable performances by winning the 2016 Golden Boy: the award for young player of the year. He said that having been recognized at an individual level by accepting these differences made him more confident: “Winning the Golden Boy is something very powerful, because it highlights my personal qualities, the award really went to me. It pushed me to believe in myself. »
Painful experience at Bayern Munich
Following an absolutely sensational first year as a professional, Bayern Munich wasted no time and decided to sign the strong Lusitanian during the summer transfer window. He would never manage to force himself but he assumed that his turbulent time in Germany had been enriching: “I chose Bayern because they really wanted me. When a club like that wants to sign you, it’s impossible to say no. It was a difficult transition. I was alone, I was 19 years old, I thought I was ready to be alone, to face this challenge, but now I know I’m not alone. It makes me grow. I made the right choice by choosing Bayern, but I did it too soon. »
Bought for 35 million euros, the transfer fee could put pressure on the new Portugal star’s shoulders, but he admits he paid little attention to it: “ At that time, people were talking about my transfer fee because that’s how football works. But I don’t really think about it. After all, even if a club only pays 5 million for me and I don’t play, I won’t be happy. I always want to be good, no matter the cost. »
Physical challenges have not spared him and mental difficulties have also weighed on his adaptation to the European giants: “I didn’t expect to experience what I experienced, like getting injured in my first training. I feel lonely, I’m hurting, I’m 19, mentally it just isn’t right. Sometimes you may think you’re feeling no pressure and feeling good, but that’s not the case. If you feel pressure, you can’t perform. I understood at that moment how much happiness affects the level of my game. »
Revival in France
In 2019, the former Benfiquist continues to lack game time in the Bavarian team. He had to find a way out and he chose to head for Lille, well advised by his compatriot: “I had a better offer than LOSC in 2019, but I made this choice after speaking with José Fonte in the election and then with Luis Campos. They motivated me to come, they gave me love, that’s what I needed at that time. It’s a good transfer for me. »
He was reborn from the ashes under the reigns of Christophe Galtier and is one of the claimants to the Ligue 1 title that Lille will capture in 2021. This summer, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain claimed him but the 25-year-old decided to join the French capital and he explained this decision by his love for France: “I chose Paris because I love France. I received 3 offers from PSG but it has never happened before. This summer I think finally the right time to come. I know Christophe Galtier really well, he coached me at Lille so it definitely weighs on a decision like that. »
