André Silva primed for Porto stardom

Porto coach Nuno Espírito Santo believes André Silva is going places, telling UEFA.com: "He has been scoring goals and has been developing a lot. He still has things to improve but he is working hard and believes in himself. He almost has that confidence that could make him an important figure in Portuguese football." The 20-year-old Portugal striker gives UEFA.com his back story.

On his first steps ...

The truth is that when I was little I didn't realise what football was about. I started to play because of my father and my family, and the reason they wanted me to play football at six years old was because I was introverted and I liked to be alone. My father got me and my cousin into football and from there I took it seriously.

• UEFA.com's weekly wonderkid: André Silva

On growing up with Porto ...

André Silva was brought up a Porto fan©Getty Images

When I was a boy, everyone would say Porto are the best, Porto are the biggest, Porto are the ones that win so I knew that Porto liked to win trophies, and for those reasons me and my dad supported Porto. He wasn't a hardcore fan, but over time he taught me about the club. I didn't always have the opportunity to watch them play, but when I did, I loved it.

My uncle, who supports Boavista, once offered to take me to the stadium to watch them on the condition I said I supported Boavista; in the end, I agreed, but deep down I've always supported Porto, and now my uncle likes Porto because of me.

On what Porto taught him ...

I joined Porto aged 14 and that made me the player I am today. When I was a kid, I had a lot to learn – I signed for the club really young. I hope I can develop more here at Porto. I have a lot to thank them for. It was a difficult process that demanded a lot of dedication, so I've worked hard to get where I am.

On Nuno Espírito Santo's role in his career ...

He has a lot of faith in me and I respond by giving my all on the pitch. Of course it's important that players get used to playing at the highest level and there isn't anything higher than the Champions League. I take these games a little more seriously. I try to learn like everyone else in that atmosphere and I try to develop further. Every match in the Champions League is difficult and, at this level, any mistake can cost you the game.

On taking the No10 shirt worn by Deco, James Rodríguez and Ricardo Quaresma ...

Great players have worn this number before, but I think I am ready. I will try to honour this number and show I am worthy of wearing the No10.