Quaresma 'used to winning titles'

After helping FC Porto win their third straight Liga title, Ricardo Quaresma has set his sights on more silverware at UEFA EURO 2008™. The gifted 24-year-old winger, now in his fourth season with Porto, has been capped 20 times by his country and will be hoping a young and talented squad can go one better than in 2004, when Portugal were defeated in the final by Greece. Here he answers your questions in a Q&A with uefa.com readers.

Congratulations on a successful season in the Liga. How does it feel to be champions?
Nuno, Porto

Ricardo Quaresma: First of all, thank you. It's always good to win titles. I'm getting used to winning titles every season. I think it makes any player proud to reach the end of the season as a champion. That's what we've worked towards.

Is being seen as a replacement for Luís Figo an additional pressure or a compliment?
Stephen Marcos

Quaresma: It's a compliment. Figo has done so much in football. All of us Portuguese are proud of Luís because he has been the best in the world. I think he is a role model for all of us. I'm happy to be compared with him, but there's no pressure in it.

What is the secret behind those amazing shots with the outside of your foot, that we call 'trivela' in Portugal?
Francisco Reis, Seia, Portugal

Quaresma: My secret is the work I put in every day so that I can develop my game even more.

What do you think Portugal need to work on most?
Cynthia Antunes, 19, New Jersey, USA.

Quaresma: It's difficult because we are rarely all together. It's nothing like what happens at club level. At a club, we are together every day – we have time to learn, to work on what the coach wants. With the national team we can only spend more time together at a European Championship, or a World Cup. I think that's what makes it difficult for the squad – the lack of time spent together.

What's your favourite dessert or sweet thing?
Adeel, 25, London, UK

Quaresma: It's fruit – mango or strawberries.

Who is your idol?
Tagonet, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Ricardo Quaresma: Luís Figo.

What do you think of Portugal's chances at UEFA EURO 2008™?
Bongani, 27, South Africa

Quaresma: We have a young squad but a lot of talent. All of us have proved our ability. All of us are playing for big clubs and are doing well. The most important thing will be to get through the group stage. Then we have to press on and try to reach our objectives.

How do you respond to those who claim that your artistry on the pitch detracts from your efficiency as a player?
Turan Sunat

Quaresma: I'd better not say anything because otherwise I'll say things I'll regret and that a lot of people don't want to hear.

Who do you rate as the best footballer in the world right now?
Adarsh, 25, Bengaluru, India

Quaresma: There are various players I admire a lot. Leo Messi, Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo. Right now Cristiano is in the best form of all of them and if I had to choose, I'd say Cristiano.

I'm a very big fan of Porto and yourself, and just wanted to ask who has been the most influential person in your career?
Alex Araujo, 18, Sydney, Australia

Ricardo Quaresma: I've had several coaches who have helped me a lot. László [Bölöni] and Jesualdo [Ferreira].

When you play on the left why don't you cross with your left foot rather than using the outside of your right foot?
Edgar Boavista

Ricardo Quaresma: I find it easier with my right foot.

What do you do in your spare time?
Rok Rekelj, 19, Slovenia

Ricardo Quaresma: I spend my spare time with my family.

What do Porto mean to you? If you were to leave one day, who would you support in the Portuguese league?
Cristina, 19, Porto

Ricardo Quaresma: I'm very proud of playing for this club and I hope to continue playing here.

Who was the hardest opponent you faced in this year's Portuguese Liga?
Rui Ribeiro

Ricardo Quaresma: This season in the Portuguese Liga? Benfica.