Nuno Mendes: 'I immediately felt at home'

Nuno, how did you find your first season at Paris Saint-Germain?

"It was a very busy season. We didn't achieve all our objectives but we achieved the main one, which was the league. Now we have to continue working. The season went well for me, and I think for my teammates too. From a personal point of view, I think it was a season of learning. I came here to grow and learn. It was a very good season."

You played a lot this season. Did you expect to have as much game time as you did?

"Of course I want to play every game! I didn't play the whole game in every match I played, but every time I played, I gave it my all. I think that I have grown as a player. That is my objective. When I arrived here, the most difficult thing was to create that link-up play, because I didn't know anybody. I only knew Danilo. He helped me to integrate into the squad and on the pitch too. I talk to everyone. It helped me to feel comfortable here."

How did you find the tactical differences? Have you learned a lot here in Paris?

"It wasn't too tough to adapt because although I was used to playing in a back five, I had also played as part of a back four with the national team. It wasn't difficult to get used to it. I came here to help the team and the club. I think I gave it my all."

Was staying in Paris an objective for you?

"Since I was little, I wanted to play for a big club and Paris Saint-Germain is one.  I learned a lot. I learned a little bit of French and lots of things every day. As I am young, I have a lot of time to learn. This year has been another year of learning, and I think everyone has helped me to grow."

How did you find the season in terms of emotions?

"There have been a lot of good times, but there have also been some not so good times. I think that when we had bad times, the team was able to react in the right manner. We would go to training and do our best, and that's what we did all season. Despite the disappointments, the team always responded well. That's also what allowed us to win the league. It was the first time it happened to me, but I'm sure other players have already been there. I think the senior players helped us through the bad times, because they have been through similar periods in the past. It was important for me but also for all the other youngsters, it helped us to move on and stay very focused on the field."

How did you find the level in the French league?
"Before coming here, I didn't know that the league was so competitive. All the teams come to play, to win the game, and are always looking to take the three points. It was a tough season. We lost some games. There were some that we won in the final minutes of the match. I was very surprised by the level, Ligue 1 is a great league, and one in which there are lots of good players."

Are you proud of your season? 

"I also came here to write my name in Paris Saint-Germain history. It started this year, and I hope to continue the good times for the club, with more league wins, more titles. This is what I try to do every time I represent the club."

What was it like the first time you discovered the atmosphere in the Parc des Princes?

"The first time I saw the fans was during the match against Lyon. Before the game, there was already a lot of smoke, a lot of singing. I think it's an incredible thing to see with your own eyes, I experienced it and I'm very happy. That first game at the Parc was incredible because in Portugal I had played, but there were no fans because of Covid. I arrived in Paris, and in my first home game there were lots of supporters. In Portugal, it is rare that the stadium is completely full. The Parc was full and when I came on, the fans applauded and I immediately felt at home."

If you had to name your favorite moment this season, what would it be?

"There are so many. The first time I played in the Champions League, in Ligue 1. The first time I won the league. The trophy for being part of the Ligue 1 Top 11. There are so many, so I couldn't choose just one."