Ambition was at the forefront of the 23-year-old’s mind as he gave his first interview since arriving from Benfica on a six-year deal and in City, he feels he has joined a club whose aspirations match his personal goals.
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Having won a league title with the Lisbon side and enjoyed a UEFA Nations League triumph with Portugal, Dias says a winning mentality has been ingrained in him and he is determined to prove that to City fans.
“I want to be in a team that wants to win and can win,” he said.
“In Benfica and even in my national team, Portugal, we play every single game to win. Obviously, in Benfica it is a different league, not so competitive, but the mentality is the same.
“Now the challenge will be bigger, but that’s what I want and that’s what the Club can give to me, so I’m really happy to be here.
“I am a player that loves to win,” he added.
“I am a player for the team, for the fans. I am a player that loves this family spirit that I am feeling a lot since I’ve been here.
“I am an aggressive player. I love what I do. I love the game.
“Without getting into too much detail, because you will see that when I start playing, I am a player who loves to win and that’s the most important thing you need to know about me.”
Having joined the Benfica academy at the age of 11, this move represents a significant step for Dias, as he plies his trade outside of Portugal for the first time.
But it is one he feels ready for and, as a keen observer of English football in recent seasons, he is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the demands of the Premier League.
“[I’m expecting the Premier League] to be the reason why I wanted to be a football player,” Dias explained.
“To have that feeling when I get on the field and I get goose bumps. That feeling, you cannot put into words.
“For me, the Premier League means all that and to be able to play in the Premier League in a top club like City, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.”
