Vitinha has credited his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers as a crucial chapter in his development, saying that the challenges he faced in the Premier League helped him build the mentality that now drives his success at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Portuguese midfielder, who joined Wolves on loan from FC Porto during the 2020/21 season, made 22 appearances in all competitions before returning to Portugal. Speaking to ICI Paris (via O Jogo), Vitinha opened up about the lessons learned during that period — lessons that he says still guide him today.
Vitinha: “That mentality is the minimum you must have”
The 25-year-old reflected first on his formative years at FC Porto, crediting the club’s academy for instilling a sense of discipline and professionalism from a young age.
“First I had a good school at FC Porto. Since we’re little, they try to instil in us a certain mentality, a discipline, a way of working. And that stays with you when you become a professional. It’s the minimum you must have,” Vitinha said.
He went on to explain that this foundation was essential during more difficult moments in England, particularly during his stint at Wolves when he struggled for consistent game time.
“I always had that in me, even at Wolves, when things weren’t going very well, when football wasn’t flowing. That mentality is the minimum you have to keep.”
Vitinha’s spell at Molineux was far from easy — he often found himself adjusting to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. But he believes that period was pivotal in shaping his resilience and mental strength.
Wolves laid the foundation for consistency
The midfielder also drew parallels between his Premier League experience and his first season at PSG, where he had to adapt quickly to playing alongside world-class teammates.
“Whether in my first year at PSG, surrounded by all the great players, or during my spell at Wolves, I learned in many ways to become more solid. Those experiences helped me achieve the consistency I’ve shown in recent seasons.”
Vitinha’s growth since then has been remarkable. After returning to FC Porto, he excelled in midfield before securing a permanent move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. There, he has become a key part of the French champions’ setup, known for his press resistance, ball retention, and intelligence in tight spaces.
At PSG, Vitinha has developed into one of Europe’s most consistent performers — a complete midfielder whose maturity belies his age. Yet, he insists that part of his mindset still traces back to Wolverhampton.
“The lessons from Wolves remain part of what I call the mentality that keeps me going.”
Our View
Vitinha’s comments underline how even short spells in challenging environments can define a player’s mentality. His time at Wolves may not have been statistically impressive, but it offered an invaluable education in adaptation and resilience — qualities that have since propelled him to stardom in Paris.
It’s a reminder that Premier League experience, even when difficult, often becomes the cornerstone of success for technically gifted players abroad.
Key Insights
- Vitinha says his time at Wolves helped him develop mental toughness and discipline.
- He credits FC Porto’s academy for instilling a work ethic that guided him through challenges.
- The midfielder has since become a key player for PSG, known for his consistency and tactical intelligence.
- His Premier League experience continues to influence his mentality at the top level.
What’s Next
Vitinha and Paris Saint-Germain continue their Ligue 1 campaign this weekend with a home match against Stade Brestois on Saturday, 1 November, before hosting AC Milan in the Champions League midweek.
👉 From Wolverhampton to the Parc des Princes — Vitinha’s journey shows how adversity can build champions.
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 30 Oct 2025 10:47
I havent followed him this season, but last year in the Champions League he was a baller - one of the best.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *