DIOGO PORTELA can follow famous No 10s Pele, Rivaldo, Zico and Neymar in sporting folklore with a ‘Brazilliant’ darts debut tonight.
The 29-year-old Samba star will proudly wear the iconic yellow shirt on the oche when he takes on Scot Peter Wright in the first round at Ally Pally.
Portela is the best tungsten thrower to emerge from Brazil.
Darts may be nowhere near as popular as football — almost a religion in the South American country — but Portela would still cause shockwaves if he beats the world No 2.
And he jokes he is more accurate with his darts than Neymar is with penalties.
Portela laughed: “If you’re talking about measuring in millimetres, then yes, I’d hit the target more.
“A football is a lot bigger. I’d say I would hit the 25 bed more often than the bull — and he might hit the post with his shots.
“My top for the worlds is based on the Brazilian football shirt and No 10 usually represents the best player.
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“I suppose I’m the best of Brazil — but only because I’m the only one!”
Portela hails from Rio but has lived in London with wife Ariana for three years.
He studied business management back home before working as an algebra teacher at a secondary school in Peckham, South London.
He previously played youth football for six years with Real Madrid star Marcelo.
He may not have won as much as the three-time Champions League winner but Portela will enjoy his 15 minutes of fame tonight, adding: “I try not to think of the history I’m making.
“My dad’s passion all his life was darts. He recently messaged me to say: ‘Do you realise that in 500 years of history, nobody’s done what you’ve done?’
“I replied: ‘No, and I don’t want to think about it either’. I just want to enjoy what I’m doing. I’ve finally found a job I like and helps pay the bills.”
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ORDER OF PLAY
(from 7pm)
Cristo Reyes v Toni Alcinas
Kim Huybrechts v James Richardson
Darren Webster v Devon Petersen
Peter Wright v Diogo Portela
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