"There is no need to talk much about Athletic Bilbao. Their level and the quality of their players are known to everyone. A very difficult game awaits us."
These words were said by Qarabag's football player Leandro Andrade in an interview with teleqraf.
The 25-year-old midfielder described their 2:1 victory over Turan Tovuz in the VIII round of the Azerbaijan Premier League as the final preparation for the match against Athletic (Spain) in the main stage of the Champions League next week:
"This match was a kind of test for us. Because it is a good test to face such an opponent before playing with a team of that level. As in previous matches, we will go out on the field and just try to enjoy the game. We will play in a magnificent stadium and atmosphere, which increases our motivation. We will try to demonstrate our playing style. Of course, I want to score a goal. Every football player wants to have a share in winning the team. But only God knows whether I will score or not."
Andrade reacted to the claims that the Cabo Verde national team qualified for the final stage of the 2026 World Cup, but the allegations about him "refusing the national team", as well as whether he could go if he received an invitation: "I have not thought about this issue. Therefore, I do not want to comment on it."