Pereira pleased with life at Porto

Uruguayan international defender Álvaro Pereira has made a flying start at FC Porto since his summer move from CFR 1907 Cluj, and fresh from the 3-0 win at Club Atlético de Madrid which capped Porto's UEFA Champions League group stage campaign, he told uefa.com users that they can beat any team in next Friday's first knockout round draw. The 24-year-old, who had joined CFR in 2008 from AA Argentinos Juniors, also spoke about feeling in sync with Porto's philosophy, life in Portugal and never picking himself on PlayStation.

Edwinarizqi: Porto had a convincing win against Atlético. What has got the team playing so well?

Álvaro Pereira: We were strong in this game and we are working hard to play well in every game. We are growing as a team. Our recent performances, against Rio Ave, Guimarães and even Chelsea [on Matchday 5], have been excellent. On a personal level, I am delighted.

robi.janezic: How do you feel after the group stage?

Pereira: It was a very positive group stage for us. The game against Atlético went well, but we felt we could even have won the group. The overall result was very positive, however.

Jeremy: Which team would you most like to play in the first knockout round?

Pereira: I have no real preference. We simply believe in ourselves to carry on improving. All the teams are difficult to play at this stage, but Porto have shown we can beat any team.

LionHeart: Do you believe Porto can reach the Champions League final again?

Pereira: The aim is to think one game at a time. The possibility of winning the Champions League is there, but we are still far from reaching that point. But, like I said, we have shown we can beat any team.

Tiago: Do players feel any extra motivation in a Champions League game compared with a league one?

Pereira: No. We know that games are different, but the responsibility is the same. When we play at the Estádio do Dragão in the Portuguese league, teams play defensive or counterattacking football. In the Champions League it is different. Teams play a more attacking style. However, we approach every game with the same attitude.

Paulo_2005: Why did you choose to sign for Porto ahead of Benfica?

Pereira: I have answered that question before: I took the decision in four minutes. Porto are Portuguese champions, they are a big team in Europe and I came here to win trophies.

superliga87: What are your feelings ahead of the match at Benfica on 20 December? Have you been surprised by how strong Benfica have been this season compared with recent campaigns?

Pereira: First, I am thinking about Setúbal on Sunday. We treat every game the same. Our goal is to be champions, so we have to think about winning every match, regardless of the score or opponent. I don't know if Benfica are stronger, because I was playing in Romania last season. The real worry has to be that our team and players perform to their potential.

Paulo_2005: Porto are known as a club with a winning culture and a strong management team. What is your opinion of the club?

Pereira: Porto have the perfect philosophy for a football team. From day one they have done everything so that the only thing I have to think about is winning. We have to win games, competitions, we have to win everything. I'm happy with this, because I also want to win every match.

Mr.Jones: Do you still follow CFR Cluj? What do you think about their underachievement in the Europa League this term?

Pereira: I still keep up with them. I have many friends at the club. The goal this season is to win the championship and make a return to the Champions League, so the Europa League was only the second priority.

Mittens77: What part of moving to Europe have you found most difficult? What do you miss about Uruguay?

Pereira: In Romania, where I started, I had more problems with the weather – very cold – and also the language. Here in Portugal it is easier, not only because of the language but also because of fellow South Americans in the squad. I feel at home. But I miss my friends, family and life in Uruguay. I left Uruguay when I was 18 to play in Argentina. But playing in Europe is what I always dreamed of and it has got me into the Uruguay team. Therefore, I can only be positive.

Mittens77: Have you been learning Portuguese? How easy is it for you to understand your team-mates?

Pereira: I used to speak with the Portuguese players at Cluj and it helped my integration. But here it is even easier, because Portuguese is very similar to Spanish.

Paul: What do you think of Uruguay's FIFA World Cup group?

Pereira: Right now, I'm still enjoying qualifying, which was difficult but deserved. I'll think of the World Cup after winning the championship with Porto.

Mancoblanco: Do you play football computer games? What is it like to see yourself in a computer game?

Pereira: When I have time, I like to play PlayStation games and football games, but not with me in the team.