The Portugal international is now reaping the benefits of dedication to his craft. Six of his 10 goals this season have come from his left foot - a statistic he is proud of.
He said: "When I was very young I used to go to the local square where we played football and practice alone.
"Sometimes I would spend all afternoon there, practising with my right foot and then with my left foot.
"I'd practice curling the ball, hitting it hard. I always wanted to improve. Now I know that all my hard work has paid off.
"It doesn't matter to me which side I play on because I am confident of beating my opponent on either side and I can cross and shoot with both feet."
Source: PA
