"I think everyone knows what Ukra is, but they don't feel it as much as we do. He's an excellent professional, who trains to the limit, with pain and sometimes with sacrifice. He's not just a player with a sense of humour, but someone who sets an example for the youngest, who pushes his colleagues in terms of demand and doesn't allow major flaws around him. That's why, afterwards, he has room to be relaxed and was a great asset", he stressed.

Luís Freire was speaking at a press conference previewing the visit to Portimonense, on Saturday, of the 33rd and penultimate round of the I League, two days after Ukra, 36, guaranteed that he will only play the two remaining matches for Rio Ave this season.

"If Rio Ave has achieved its goals in the last three years, in a period that was even a little difficult in its history, it is largely because of footballers like Ukra. He has a place at the highest level in the club's history, both for what he showed when he played a lot, scored goals and went to big clubs, but also for what he does now without playing so much", he said.

Despite putting the "collective interest ahead of the individual", Luís Freire added that the winger "will have the opportunity to play again and end the season with a beautiful memory", at a time when he is the seventh player with the most games ever for Rio Ave.

With 16 goals and 30 assists in 204 duels, divided into two periods (2012-2016 and since 2021), André Filipe Monteiro, commonly known as Ukra in football, received the Career award this week at the club's gala, which today celebrates its 85th anniversary.

"We have had a group of very close and united people. Of course, there are personalities that are irreplaceable, because they are unique, but others also have to appear with other characteristics. No one is like anyone else. Now, I think that Ukra will not cease to be in Portuguese football and to be a remarkable presence, even in Rio Ave. I see the example and the legacy that he is leaving and that will have to be followed by others", he pointed out.

The week has been one of happiness for the Vila-condenses, who sealed their permanence in the previous round, by winning the reception to Vitória de Guimarães (2-1), benefiting, afterwards, from Portimonense's defeat in the visit to the newly crowned national champion Sporting (3-0).

"We achieved the first goal, which was not to be directly relegated, and the second, which would be to avoid the play-off. Now, we want to do better than in the previous season, knowing that it is more an ambition than an obligation and there is a positive pressure. The mood is one of contentment, but I see a team working well, focused and committed. Everyone has to give their best. I can't have 10 players running and one unfocused", he asked.

In addition to improving the 12th position achieved in 2022/23, with 40 points, Luís Freire wants to extend the current unbeaten record of Vila-condense in the I League, which has lasted for 10 games, to be the defence with the fewest goals conceded in the second half - it has the same 12 as Sporting -, and to achieve the first away victory in the competition after 10 draws and six defeats.

"We want to be very serious, because, in addition to Portimonense, there are other teams in the fight [to escape relegation]. We know that we have this responsibility, in the perspective of being competitive and being able to do our best to win the game. It wasn't long ago that we were in this race and we know the emotions involved", he concluded.

Rio Ave, 10th classified, with 35 points, visits Portimonense, 16th and third to last, with 28, on Saturday, at 3:30 pm, at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, in a match of the 33rd and penultimate round of the I League, refereed by João Pinheiro, from the Braga association.

Also Read: Ukra announces end of career at 36 (Portuguese version)