5 things you didn't know about Barcelona's Nelson Semedo

#1 Semedo is a long-time Barca admirer

Ronaldinho

Andre Gomes was not the only person to influence the defender’s move to Camp Nou – Ronaldinho also inadvertently inspired the youngster to make the jump. It was the Brazilian who Semedo looked up to as a youngster, when he was a central midfielder, and though he subsequently moved into his current role, he has lost none of his admiration for the exciting attacker.

“I began by watching Barca and Ronaldinho,” he said. “He was a player who was admired in the whole of the footballing world. I saw him doing incredible things that influenced me.”

Indeed, it was the former PSG man who started a love affair with the club that is ongoing: “I always thought they were the best side in the world,” he explained, adding that he always used to take them when playing video games.

When Semedo debuted for Benfica, he did so under the moniker Nelsinho, meaning little Nelson - perhaps a nod to his idol.