Love For Football Has Kept Silva Focused

Clearly, it has been a difficult four months for the central midfielder, but while he has been ineligible to play, his preparation for a maiden appearance in Leicester colours has not been affected.

Individual and group training sessions have been tailored to suit the 28-year-old, who has been faced with the task of building up a base level of fitness without being exposed to competitive matches.

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The midfield has remained positive while building up his fitness.

“It’s been very frustrating, but now the difficult times are past me and now I’m very happy to be close to my goal,” Silva exclusively told LCFC TV. “I’ve been working hard every day to arrive at this moment and I’m in good shape.

“It’s been very important to keep training because it’s a long time not playing and of course I can work and train more than normal, but there is nothing better than the game.

“I will be in good shape because I have worked a lot – I have confidence in that – but I have to play games to get better.”

After training in a hotel gym for three weeks, Silva was eventually able to join in sessions with his team-mates and feature in several behind-closed-doors friendlies at Belvoir Drive to ensure that when the time comes, he is ready.

“Of course, I have to do more than my colleagues,” he continued. “The Club’s staff and my personal trainer, my brother, have made a good team and we’ve made a good schedule to keep me fit. Now, we’ll see what happens.”

Upon entering the room to speak to LCFC TV, Silva has a beaming smile on his face. He sits down to discuss his start to life at Leicester City and despite the difficulties, he still exudes positivity.

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Adrien Silva says his love for football has kept him on track.

“Of course, I have to stay positive,” he continued. “In our job, when you have a period like this, it’s very up and down.

“You have to keep a positive mentality and that’s what I’ve tried to do. I’ve kept my mind focused on my job and what I love to do.”

Silva’s English has noticeably advanced since he first arrived in Leicester. He believes his integration into the first team set up and daily interaction with his welcoming team-mates has aided him significantly.

“They’ve been great for me and they keep pushing to keep my mentality up,” Silva said of his City colleagues. “They have been very important for me. I see a great future in front of us.

“It’s my strength to have my family close to me also and when some periods are not very good like this one, it’s very important.

“They keep your smile on your face. I have to thank them also for being there, not only in the good times but also in the bad ones.”

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The midfielder attempts to avoid a snowball from Riyad Mahrez during training at Belvoir Drive.

With a good understanding of what is expected having taken part in intensive training sessions on a day-to-day basis, Silva believes standards at the Club are high in every aspect – a factor that he is willing to equal.

He said: “We have so much quality here, not only in midfield, but everywhere. We have a strong team to do good things.

“I think the competition between us is good – it makes us stronger and better players. I always deal very well with this, so there is no rush.”

Alongside establishing himself at Leicester City will be the challenge of breaking back into Fernando Santos’ Portugal national team squad ahead of the 2018 World Cup Finals in Russia.

Silva is capped 20 times at senior international level and was part of the side that won the European Championships last summer. He is one of only two Foxes to have lifted the trophy, alongside former central midfielder Theo Zagorakis of Greece.

“The coach likes to get the players that play every week,” said Silva. “It’s normal that he thinks about the team for the best of the country. It’s not individual.

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Integration into the squad has been of great benefit to the midfielder.

“It’s not because it’s me or other players, it’s because he wants the best for the team. I have to play and I have to show that I’m okay and we’ll see at the end.”

For now, focus is on performing week in, week out for the Foxes and the opportunity to play in the Premier League – regarded as one of the most competitive and entertaining leagues in the world – is one that Silva feels he is well equipped for.

“It’ll be a great feeling to play for this Club in this league,” said the former Sporting Lisbon man. “It was a dream for me to come to this league, to be part of the best one and to be compete with all of the best players.

“To play against them will make me a better player, I’m sure.”

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The former Sporting Lisbon man has spent the last few months training with the squad at Belvoir Drive.

Silva’s desire to make his debut is matched by the Blue Army, who are no doubt looking forward to seeing just why City moved to secure his services in the summer. With the assistance of his team-mates, he is hoping to achieve something special for them.

“I have received a lot of messages on my Instagram, Facebook and social media accounts from the fans,” added Silva.

“I appreciate this very much because it’s important to feel this from them. I will try to give them some good moments. With all my colleagues, I will try to do my best.”