IF Nazmi Faiz Mansor had any doubts about making the move to the Portuguese Primeira Liga, there is no better authority on the matter than Jose Mourinho to allay his fears.
Mourinho gave the Primeira Liga a glowing endorsement and said any budding footballer looking to make it big in Europe can find no better place to start than in his homeland, Portugal.
And his advice will come in handy for Nazmi, 17, who is set to join Beira Mar in August in his first signing with a foreign club.
"The Portuguese league is a good place to start for someone going abroad. Normally the top players come from the Portuguese league, players from Brazil and Argentina.
"It's a good place to be in between leagues," said the self-anointed "Special One" during a whirlwind trip to Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Born in Setubal, Real Madrid manager Mourinho has plenty of experience in his home country, having made a name for himself at Porto, who he led to league titles in 2003 and 2003, the UEFA Cup in 2003 and Champions League glory in 2004.
Mourinho's playing career was more modest, having played for Rio Ave, Belenenses, Sesimbra and Comércio e Indústria from 1980 to 1987.
Prior to Porto, he also coached Benfica and Uniao de Leiria and used those experiences to good effect in bringing honours to Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real.
"If someone wants to go to the Italian or English or Spanish leagues, Portugal is a good place to adapt. You will find a good mix of tactical discipline and a very Brazilian-style of playing in Europe.
"There are quite a few players who have come out of the Portuguese league. I don't know much about Asian players, but you can use Portugal as a good starting point," said Mourinho, 49.
The most famous recruit out of the Portuguese league is Cristiano Ronaldo, who was signed at the age of 18 by Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon.
Porto's Brazilian striker Hulk is also in great demand across Europe, proving Mourinho's point that the Portuguese league provides the perfect platform for young foreign players to develop their skills.
The 16-team Primeira Liga is also ranked the fifth strongest by UEFA as of June 2012, behind only the English Premier League, Spanish Primera Liga, German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A, and ahead of the French Ligue 1.
Nazmi will embark on the experience of a lifetime when he signs professional terms with Beira Mar for a three-year contract once he turns 18 in August.
For young players journeying abroad, adaptability to new surroundings will be crucial in ensuring the player's football flourishes, which Nazmi will hope to do.
On this, Mourinho said Nazmi need have no fear.
"Of course, besides the football, the people are nice too. When young players from other countries go to Portugal, we make them feel welcome. So it's not a problem," said Mourinho.
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