Arsenal legend Boa Morta accepted an exclusive interview on the club’s official website and talked about his Gunners, career, mentor Wenger and other topics.
In June 1997, Boa Morta, who was under 20 years old, joined Arsenal from Sporting CP, thus starting his first experience of English football.
The Lisbon-born winger won the Double with the team in his debut season in 1997-98. He made 15 league appearances and a total of 21 appearances in all competitions, and won a Premier League winner's medal after defeating Newcastle in the FA Cup final. With the joining of Ljungberg, Suker and Henry, the Portuguese international's playing opportunities were limited, and he finally switched to Southampton in August 1999. The Gunners played 37 times and scored 4 goals in his career.
Morta's highlight moments include: scoring twice and being the best of the match against Birmingham City in the League Cup in October 1997, scoring a goal in a 3-1 win over Panathinaikos in the Champions League in December 1998, and appearing in two Charity Shield wins over Manchester United in 1998 and 1999.
Boa Morta became a fan favorite after playing for Fulham for six and a half years. He retired in 2013 after playing for West Ham United, Orlando Pirates and Chesterfield. With 1 goal in 28 games for the Portuguese national team, he returned to Fulham as a coach after starting his global coaching career. He is currently an assistant coach of Samsunspor in the Turkish Super League.
The following is Morta's memoirs of his Highbury years and subsequent journey to England↓
About the opportunity to join
"It stemmed from my performance in the Toulon Cup. This event was and still is prestigious, and young players are eager to participate. Arsenal scouts were inspecting it at the time, and the transfer was made. "
The feeling of landing in London at the age of 19
"This is my person A major turning point in life. One moment he was in the third tier of the Portuguese league, and the next moment he was in a wealthy club with many world-class stars. This is a great opportunity. "
Helpers in the adaptation process
"Get along well with teammates of the same age such as Christopher Varech, Anelka, Alberto Mendes and Manninger. We joined the team at the same time and supported each other. The veterans are even more exemplary. They have rich experience. Rich and willing to support the younger generations, this combination of old and new has the perfect atmosphere. "
Relationship with Wenger
"Wenger is very important to me. He understands the responsibility of taking young players away from their families and has never let us down. "
Wenger's impact on his coaching career
"What remains fresh in my memory is when I faced the choice: loan to Bordeaux, permanent When I moved to Saint-Etienne or joined Southampton, Wenger didn't want me to leave the team permanently but finally let him go because he thought it would be more conducive to my development. This fulfillment will be something I will cherish throughout my life. "
Memories of the Gunners' debut
"Except for the debut at the Dell Stadium, the details are vague. "
Memories of the first goal
"4-1 win over Birmingham in the League Cup! the most on the spot The best prize was a Coca-Cola radio, which is still kept in my mother's home. "
The 4-0 Everton battle to lock the Premier League championship
"After Adams scored the fourth goal, we quickly stepped onto the podium. Winning a double crown in his debut season was like magic. "
The regret of missing the FA Cup celebration
"Although I witnessed the team win the Wembley championship, due to the need to represent the Portuguese Toulon Cup again and the team failed to participate in the championship parade. If I can be re-elected, I will definitely stay and celebrate together. This kind of moment will never happen again in my life. "
The Champions League away game against Panathinaikos
"That night will never be forgotten. I revisited the stadium as a coach a few months ago, and memories came flooding back to me. Coaching career is often closely related to his years with the Gunners: Guinea-Bissau faced Sierra Leone and unexpectedly met Wareh, whom he had not seen in 16 years Reunited on the sidelines as Liberian coach. "
The decision to move to Southampton
"The core is the pursuit of game opportunities. Facing Arsenal's top signings, I know it is not easy to stay in the team. Having adapted to British culture, I ultimately chose Saints. "
West Ham United Years
"When they first arrived, the team was at the bottom of the league, and ultimately relied on a last-round away win over Manchester United to avoid relegation. every club They gave me unique experiences: I had to fight for survival at Arsenal, I went through a 10-day trial before moving to Fulham, and I was abandoned by the new manager soon after joining Saints, but all these clubs made me feel like I belonged. "
Career Insights
"From Wenger's kindness in the Toulon Cup to every subsequent journey that requires hard work, I have always been grateful for this extraordinary football life intertwined with luck and struggle. "