Blessed with technical ability, footballing intelligence and great vision, the 23-year-old João Mário has joined UEFA Europa League contenders Internazionale eight weeks after helping Portugal to European glory. But how much do you know about the talented midfielder? Here are five things to get you started.
1. João Mário was born in Porto and signed for the Dragões’ academy in 2002. Two years later his mother relocated to Lisbon and he duly moved south, linking up with Sporting. Initially a defender, he was a midfielder when he made his senior debut in Italy as already-qualified Sporting lost 2-0 at Lazio in the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League group stage.