Joao Baleña talks about Tottenham’s problems, the effects of coaching and international glory

Kelly: If you could recall one match from your career, what would it be?

Joao: When I won the league with Sporting, it was during the time of Covid and we did not have fans in the stands. The match that gave us the title was when we beat Boavista. Everyone in the dressing room felt that that moment meant that our names could be written in the club’s history and that was perhaps the most memorable match. I also had other highlights, you know, like when I made my Premier League debut against Liverpool, which was a draw against them at Craven Cottage… that was really special as well. My game here against Manchester City when I scored my first goal for Tottenham was really special as well. I have a few!

Kelly: What is the most difficult moment in your career?

Joao: Maybe it was my time at Bayern, I think. I expected to play more when I went there, but after the injury it was not easy for me to get the right opportunities.

Kelly: Now that you’ve moved away from football, tell me what it was like growing up in your house…

Joao: I am a family member. I am a proud father, and a proud son. I think what we need in our life is to give proper value to family, because I couldn’t achieve anything in my life without them. I have two sons – I’m a really proud father and it’s the best feeling you can have.

Kelly: What was young Joao like? How would your parents describe you?

Joao: I may not have been the best student in school, but I always made an effort and was committed to learning. I think that’s not just on the field, but also off the field. I have always been a decent person with the right family principles and values ​​as well.

Kelly: How do you escape football on your vacation?

Joao: It depends if my family is here or not, but usually I like to take a couple of days off… If I don’t go to Portugal or they are here, I like to go with them to the city or the park when the weather is good, which is not particularly easy here! But yes, enjoy it with family.

Kelly: Do you have any hobbies?

Joao: I like to play tennis but I don’t do it often because I can’t [because of the risk of getting injured]. We have a lot of golfers on the team but I like more active sports… action. Golf is too lazy for me! I think it’s good for the mind, but for the body, for me, I think it’s not the right sport.