Jair Tavares has spent his profession following within the footsteps of Jota, writes Fraser Wilson in Portugal.
However now the Portuguese winger has made the journey from Benfica B to the Scottish Premiership similar to the trailblazer, he's decided to cease him in his tracks.
Tavares can’t wait to set foot within the Scottish sport after signing a four-year cope with Hibs.
The 21-year-old sought the steering of his long-time pal earlier than agreeing to modify from Lisbon to Leith.
It’s recommendation he trusts like that of his personal brother after spending the perfect a part of 16 years coming by way of the Benfica academy within the slipstream of the Celtic followers’ favorite who he insists remains to be regarded a legend again dwelling.
He’s watched Jota flourish and change into a Scottish champion within the final 12 months. And he's sure the 23-year-old is about to pen a long-term cope with the Hoops.
Then, he says, it will likely be about that friendship taking over, for the primary time, an fringe of rivalry.
Tavares is out to make a reputation for himself at Hibs, similar to his pal at Parkhead.
And he stated: “Jota was a legend of Benfica within the academy.
“He was one of many guys like me, who didn’t have the prospect to play at Benfica. We needed to look to the long run due to this.
“He did superb final season and I’m right here to help him too.
“There are two Portuguese gamers in Scotland now, we’re right here to symbolize our nation.
“He was all the time so good. You don’t know Jota! When he was younger there was an enormous distinction between him and the others.
“Do I believe he'll keep at Celtic? I suppose. I don’t know however I believe sure.
“I requested him about Scottish soccer and about Hibs too. He gave me some good recommendation, informed me some good issues about Hibs.
“He stated in addition to Rangers and Celtic he thought Hibs was roughly the third strongest group in Scotland.
“He helped me a lot to determine to return right here.
“After all he’s in a unique city however he’s my pal. I’ve recognized him for a very long time. Perhaps since I used to be 10.
“However I hope this season after we play in opposition to him we win.
“Everybody is aware of he's a machine however we're right here to cease him.”
Tavares has but to kick a ball in Scotland however he’s not shy in setting out his stall.
He stated: “By way of soccer Jota performs like me – or I imply I play like him!
“However he informed me in Scotland soccer isn’t like the remainder of Europe.
“He stated it’s extra intense, extra bodily. In Europe it’s perhaps a bit extra technical.
“So gamers like us can have large fame and an excellent trajectory and it’s why we come to Scotland.
“I’m right here to help him, I’m glad to see the way in which he’s doing his stuff.
“However I’m right here too. He has to know that and everybody must know I’m right here too.”
Tavares didn’t have far to journey for his first motion together with his new group mates as he joined up with the Hibees on this week’s pre-season coaching camp within the Algarve.
The blistering warmth in considered one of mainland Europe’s most southerly spots is perhaps a breeze to him - even when the triple periods being placed on by Lee Johnson and Jamie McAllister aren’t.
Now he’s making ready to tug on a strip aside from Benfica for the primary time in his life, beginning in opposition to Paul Hartley’s Hartlepool this morning.
And Tavares stated: “I by no means performed for an additional membership however Benfica. Since I used to be six-years-old - that’s been 16 years - so transferring here's a large step.
“I'm right here to assist and provides some happiness to the followers too as they're so necessary.
“I had lots of choices. However the coach satisfied me to return to Hibs.
“He gave me lots of belief. I consider in him, the employees and the chance they're giving to me.
“I've by no means been down on this space to coach .. Algarve is only for holidays and the remainder of the yr no person comes right here.
“It’s been a pleasant begin. Though I've by no means had three periods a day!
“It’s powerful .. it’s good although. I’m bettering and studying on a regular basis. And that’s what I’m right here to do and to assist the group.”