When I look back at my career, I do so with so much pride. But I’m the first to know that it could have all been so, so different.

Not just through football, but my life generally. You see this story has a deeper meaning than football, it’s about belief and faith.

But to paint the picture, we need to go back to one of the toughest, darkest times of my life…

The moment that changed everything

I spent six months in Russia. It was one of the worst times of my life. I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to play football again. I just had a dream that I would, but I didn’t know for sure.

I moved to Dynamo Moscow in Russia on loan from Porto and during the pre-season, I suddenly started to feel very ill. I had some tests done on me and it was confirmed I had tuberculosis and that it was already very advanced.

Because of how advanced it was, the doctors decided it would be best for me to stay in hospital for treatment.

The doctors in Russia wanted to perform surgery on my lung. With that, I know with certain that I wouldn’t have played football again. It was a really tough time.

I listened to the advice of the people around me, those the closest to me. My mother, my girlfriend, my manager.

I listened to them and knew I had to do what they were telling me to do. They wanted only the best for me and I knew they were the ones looking out for me. The decision was made.

My solicitor came to an agreement to make sure that I left the hospital in Russia and could finish my treatment in Portugal. This was really important for me.

I stayed three more months there. Every day, taking my medicine and going on my daily walks. It was a long wait. But eventually I had the chance to go to the specialist and he told me that I should remain calm.

Calm?! How could I stay calm?

Then, after a period of time, he told me what I so desperately wanted to hear. I could go back to playing football and fulfil my dream.

Once you get past a difficult period in your life, you know you’ll be victorious. Not only for fulfilling your dream, your destiny of playing football but also for winning all the titles that you longed for and dreamed of.

Thiago the midfielder?

I had a coach. He wanted me to play in midfield. Midfield? Me?! No, surely not! It wasn’t for me, I knew this very quickly.

I had other coaches and they saw something different in me. I became a centre-back, I’ve gone on to have excellent career, played at the top level, won trophies and captained my country. Imagine if I’d listened to that first coach!

I got the nickname ‘Monster’ for playing in defence. Not because I’m hideous like a monster before anyone says that!

It’s because I’m good at what I do, even now I have the nickname. It’s been with me throughout my whole career.

People recognise my name with this nickname. When they hear ‘Monster’, they think of me. That means so much to me. I’m proud of it.

Chasing dreams

I’ve always been a dreamer. I’ve always been a guy that fights for what I want.

I’m a man that chases goals and I’ve never deviated from that will. I’ve had a good career, a victorious career and I’m so grateful for what God has helped me achieve.

I’ve come a long way from that hospital bed in Russia…