On his return to Portugal, Gonçalo Rodrigues' album – or Guga – has space for a Chinese Cup, ten goals and nine assists in 65 games for Beijing Guoan, trips to Beijing and, most importantly, his first chapters as a father. Trained at Benfica and formerly in the midfield of Rio Ave and Famalicão, the 28-year-old from Algarve spoke to the More football and revealed references and friendships, among memories full of coaches and media players. Also read… Part I – Guga remembers winning the Chinese Cup: «They are emotionally different people» Part III – Guga and being a father in Beijing: «We had to make a living and learn on our own» Maisfutebol: In eight years in the formation of Benfica [2008-2016]which coach particularly marked you? Spring: Renato Paiva. He's the one I keep in touch with and worked with for the most years. He was a coach with whom I always identified. MF: Does Renato Paiva need to assert himself in the League? Spring: I would like to see him in a League team, I believe that currently it is more complicated due to the financial aspect, especially because he has a resume in Brazil and Mexico. But it would be successful here. MF: He was trained by the Tralhão brothers, Luís [atual treinador do Torreense] and John [adjunto de José Mourinho]at different times [sub-13, sub-19 e sub-23]. What distinguishes these brothers? Spring: When I worked with both at the same time [nos sub-23, na época 2018/19]João was the main coach and Luís was an assistant. Mister João was always strong in training preparation. I believe he will maintain this aspect as José Mourinho's assistant, especially because he has already worked with Henry at Monaco and with Nuri Sahin in Türkiye. Mister Luís, as assistant, also presented these aspects and has been successful, most recently with Torreense. I'm one more person rooting for them. MF: At Benfica he interacted with dozens of players, including Rúben Dias, Renato Sanches, João Félix, Pedro Amaral, Diogo Gonçalves, Jota, Gonçalo Ramos and Florentino. Which friendships prevail? Spring: I made great friends with Diogo Gonçalves, Yuri Ribeiro and Pedro Amaral. Whenever I come to Portugal I make a point of being with them. MF: You met Rúben Dias in the under-13s. What are your first memories? Spring: Rúben has always stood out for his character. Before the technique, Rúben already stood out for his leadership. The coaches were delighted. That's why it imposes itself on any team and in any context. MF: What remains of your time at Famalicão, between 2019 and 2021, where you shared a locker room with Pote and met your friend Diogo Gonçalves? Spring: Famalicão captures players with enormous potential who are not properly utilized or who are going through a less good phase, providing the conditions to reach maximum capacity. It is a strategy that has borne fruit, investing and achieving excellent sales. I'm happy for them. That's what happened in our year, with new players who weren't going through the best of times, but who had the opportunity to reveal themselves. It was a spectacular year. For many – like Pote – it was the turning point. He played for Wolves and came to Famalicão under-23, but in the pre-season he showed all his quality. It was obvious that it was different. MF: (…) Spring: I got along very well with Pote, both off and on the field, and we still keep in touch. I've had some “annoying” colleagues, but he's the most “brain-picking” one for his opponents. MF: And in the Ave Works with Tarantini and Ukraine. Spring: With the exception of Benfica, it was the first time I found a locker room with heavyweights, like Carlos Mané, Fábio Coentrão and Tarantini, which gave me experience, even in training. I met Ukra in the second season [2021/22]when we won the II League. He was one of the best people I met in football, he is missed in every locker room. It was great to be able to work with him. MF: What did you learn from Tarantini in 2020/21, a season marked by relegation to the II League? Spring: The ability to predict outcomes, on and off the field. We only lived together for six months, but he always gave his opinion, regardless of the subject. Tarantini's career speaks for itself, he spent many years as captain of Rio Ave in the League and with games in European competitions. MF: Despite the relegation to the II League, Luís Freire convinced him to stay. Spring: When the coach arrived at Rio Ave, I wanted to leave and continue in the League. But he said he saw a lot of potential in me and would do everything to keep me at the club, especially because the project would be built around me. It ended up happening and it was a spectacular year. I was the best player in the II League and Rio Ave won the championship. The manager said that I would be more valued. And it happened. It gave a lot to my game and identified abilities that I was unaware of. MF: Is it a pity that Luís Freire is an under-21 coach and not a coach in the League? Spring: I'm torn. I'm happy for the opportunity he took. It's a very interesting position and he's very good at working with young people. If successful, it could open the doors to other markets. At the same time, if he was at a club – whether national or not – I would be happy to meet him again. MF: Do you miss Vila do Conde? Spring: I feel at home. I love the North and Vila do Conde, so much so that I have a house there. You never know what tomorrow will bring. I'm from the Algarve and I'm used to having a beach nearby. And Vila do Conde beach is beautiful. I remember going to lunch after training and talking to the people of Vila do Conde. They were always warm. I don't forget. I would only change the water temperature. MF: I notice that you have a tendency to score against Benfica. He scored against the B team, for Rio Ave, and four times against the main team, for Famalicão and Rio Ave. For Vilacondenses he scored two goals in Luz. Spring: Several people joke about the situation. I want to clarify that I don't have the fixed idea of scoring against Benfica. I don't even think about it. I don't have a feeling of revenge, because I feel grateful to Benfica. I have had this opportunity. These are good moments that give visibility. MF: What do you like to say about Portuguese football? Spring: There is a lot of quality, but a lot of time is still wasted on things that don't matter. We must talk about the players who can make the leap and the coaches who work well with few resources. We are a small country, but we work very well. It has to be valued. Advance to the third and final part of the interview with Guga Rodrigues.