New Black Eagle Joao Mario made exclusive statements to Beşiktaş YouTube channel:

 -Why did you become a footballer? 

“My eldest brother started playing football. So I tried to go after him and catch him. It was very important for me to be a footballer and we grew up doing the same thing together.” 

 -Why Besiktas? 

“Because it's a great club that is recognized everywhere. We have great fans. My friends Rafa and Gedson are also here.  So everything was very clear to me.”

-How does it feel to be at Besiktas? 

“I wanted to come here because I was looking for a change in my career.  I'm really happy to be here to help the team. I think we are a team that can win trophies. I'm excited and impatient to get started.”

-Did anyone influence your decision to come to Beşiktaş? 

“I would say Rafa Silva. I've played a lot of games with him and we're really good friends. I was watching all his games because he was playing. Therefore, I started to watch Beşiktaş closely this season. I spoke to him and got information about the club.”  

-How can you help Beşiktaş? 

“ With my experience, goals and assists. ..The things I had been doing  at Benfica last season. I believe I can achieve all these things because I am physically fit right now.  

–How does it feel to be working with Head Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst? 

“I know him from his days as a footballer. He was a  great player. He's had a great start to the season with Beşiktaş, and he's doing tremendous things here. So I'm excited to hear his advices for me.”

-Do you have an idol in football? 

“My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. In the past, I enjoyed watching Zidane, but since I met Cristiano, I had been following him closely.”  

- What do you know about Istanbul ? 

“Not much. I just know it's a big city. Everyone I've talked to since I got here has said good things about the city, from what I've seen, it's a really beautiful city.”  

-How many languages do you speak? 

“Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and English. 

-What is your message to Beşiktaş fans? 

“I hope they will keep supporting us throughout the season. It's going to be a very competitive season, so we need their full support. I can't wait to meet them at our stadium. On my part,  I will do my best for Besiktas to win trophies this season.”