Bébé interview: "I desire a return to Manchester United"

In the summer of 2010, Tiago Manuel Dias Correia – better known to the football fraternity as ‘Bébé’ – rose to prominence after Manchester United shelled out €9 million (£7.2 million) to secure his services; a hefty sum for a relative unknown. The transfer at the time raised many eyebrows, even more so when manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted to signing the player without watching him, and on the recommendation of former assistant Carlos Queiroz. The matter is still debated with a mix of confusion and scepticism, but this should take nothing away from the player’s remarkable story, from the ‘Shelter for the Homeless’ to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.

Abandoned as a child by his parents, he was cared for by his grandmother until the age of 12, before being placed in the Casa do Gaiato shelter, just outside of Lisbon. Till about four years ago, he was plying his trade at local club Loures, where he caught the attention of a previously successful side, Estrela da Amadora, and was subsequently signed for €16,000 (£12,800). He soon became a prominent player, and a move to top division side Vitória de Guimarães ensued, but he lasted all of six games in pre-season before his dream startlingly became a reality.

Admittedly, he has not been able to live up to the hype and expectation at Old Trafford, with a disruptive loan outing at Turkish side Be?ikta? not helping. However, another such spell this season at Rio Ave has given him a new lease of life and hope that he can hit the big time again. The management of his new club speak fondly, both of his abilities on the pitch and his good nature as a person. They cite a recent example, where he took a poor African child on trial at the club into his custody and gave him a complete makeover. The footballer had a brief chat at his new home – Estádio do Rio Ave.

At what age did you start playing football, and how did the interest emanate?

It was roughly about the age of seven when I started kicking the ball around with my friends during the summer. My brother was a good futsal player and I enjoyed it as well, but realised that football was the way forward if I wanted to carve out a future for myself.

Which is your favourite team and who is your favourite player?

Manchester United and Bébé (laughs). I really like Didier Drogba because of his playing style. Ukra is one who impresses me a lot at Rio Ave.

Who is the toughest defender you have come up against?

As a teammate in training, it has to be Evra (Manchester United), and as an opponent, perhaps Salino (SC Braga). Both come really strongly and quickly at you, and the space to manoeuvre in is absolutely minimal.

What is your preferred playing position on the pitch?

I like cutting in from the left, and during games switch to the right flank as well. I’m equally comfortable in both areas.

What is your best moment as a footballer?

The day I learnt of my transfer to Manchester United. My goal on debut for Rio Ave also ranks highly on my list.

How do you react to the fans’ criticism when things are not going well?

I try not to think about it and focus on getting the ball to talk on the pitch.

Any words of advice that keep you motivated?

Sir Alex Ferguson told me to work hard and play a lot here to harness my skills and facilitate a move back.

What are your short and long term goals?

Short term would be to continue Rio Ave’s strong run in the Liga and ensure Europa League qualification. I would also desire a return to Manchester United soon and perhaps end my career in a place like Dubai.

Fun question to finish.. If you were not a footballer, what other profession would you have fancied?

Maybe a dancer, because I really enjoy it. Kizomba (a popular genre of dance and music which originated from Angola) is my personal favourite.