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The family and footballers who inspire Vieira

Related Topics: Mário Silva, Rui Costa

There are two sides to Fabio Vieira. On the pitch he has all the silky skills that we so readily associate with the best Portuguese players, but he also has a hard edge that belies his shy smile and seemingly reserved demeanour.

Off the pitch, too, he has his contradictions. He admits that he was something of a rebel at school, paying less attention than he might have during lessons while waiting for lunchtime or hometime to play football. Yet his biggest inspiration in life? Could it be Cristiano Ronaldo, or one of the great Portuguese players from the previous generation?