A week after putting up a fantastic display for FC Porto in their 2-1 win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League, Nigeria international left-back, Zaidu Sanusi speaks with Owngoalnigeria.com on the game and more.
Faced against one of the greatest footballers in world football, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Kebbi state indigene said it was always about paying attention to details.
Below is his take on the issues raised during the course of the interview.
Super Eagles AFCON Qualifiers:
We need one point from two games to qualify but it doesn’t mean we should play for a point. The idea is to approach the game with all the seriousness it deserves and make a statement by picking the maximum points from both games. I think we can.
Settling Down At FC Porto
It was one of the easiest phases I have had in my life. Kudos to the coaches, players and everyone associated with the club including the fans. Now I am playing regularly and the idea is to maintain it to help the team reach their targets for the season.
Pressure Of Playing For FC Porto
The whole thing is entirely new to me but the experienced players in the team are helping me to overcome it. At Porto, you’re expected to win every domestic game and fight for a win in all continental games because they are a big team here. The level of pressure brings out the best in you all the time.
Closest Friend At Porto
I am not the type who likes to go out a lot so I most times keep my relationship on the pitch or training ground. I’m very close with the entire team but with the back four, we share a special bond on and off the pitch.
Facing Cristiano Ronaldo
The task of keeping the best footballer in the world in check got to me. I grew into the game as it progresses and prior to the game, my coach told me a lot about how to approach Ronaldo. Those details helped me in keeping him away from goal. He doesn’t need too much chance to score, so don’t even let him have it. It worked for me that day.
