{"id":674,"date":"2018-08-25T13:06:41","date_gmt":"2018-08-25T13:06:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/popfootballmanager.wordpress.com\/?p=674"},"modified":"2026-09-25T16:29:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T16:29:33","slug":"os-craques-tambem-jogam-5-joao-meira-o-icone-piedense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fmportugal.net\/en\/os-craques-tambem-jogam-5-joao-meira-o-icone-piedense\/","title":{"rendered":"The Stars Play Too #6 Jo\u00e3o Meira, the Piedense icon!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jo\u00e3o Meira<\/a> is part of one of the golden generations of Cova da Piedade's youth academy, the club where he also began his senior career, in the old Portuguese third division, after three years in Sadina's youth ranks.<\/em><\/p>\n

After his time with the blue-and-maroon side, his career was always on the rise. A season at Mafra, then a move to Tapadinha, where he reached professional competitions with Atl\u00e9tico. Three seasons later came another leap, this time to Bel\u00e9m, the club with which he reached the Portuguese top flight. Later spells followed at Chicago Fire and Norwegian side V\u00e5lerenga.<\/em><\/p>\n

Off the pitch, Jo\u00e3o Meira hasn't 'let go' of football either, with Football Manager being one of his favourite games. So we sat down to talk with him about that 'addiction'.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Jo\u00e3o<\/a>
Jo\u00e3o Meira celebrating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

POP: What was the first CM\/FM you played, and who introduced you to it?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: I think it was CM 98\/99. I remember my brother and I used to play a lot of Elifoot<\/em> but when we saw CM with better graphics and a database, we got hooked!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>POP: And when did you first appear in the game?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: I'm not sure, but I think I first appeared in FM05\/06 in Vit\u00f3ria Futebol Clube's youth ranks.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>POP: What was the first edition where you felt your rating was fair?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: Even today I don't think it's fair! Just kidding.. Maybe 12\/13..<\/p>\n

POP: And nowadays, do you agree with the profile they've made of you, which attributes would you change?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: Yes, I think so! I'd change my passing and pace. I'm not that slow!<\/p>\n

\"Jo\u00e3o<\/a>
Jo\u00e3o Meira in FM2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

POP: Do you think the Norwegian researchers<\/em> researchers will lower your attributes, after your short spell at V\u00e5lerenga?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: It's possible, unfortunately I got injured and didn't get the time to show what I could do.<\/p>\n

POP: Have you ever bought yourself in a <\/strong>save<\/strong>?<\/em> If yes, would you put yourself in the starting line-up ahead of players with better attributes than you? Were you lenient with yourself and forgave your own bad performances?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: Not always. I was realistic enough to understand that with my attributes I wouldn't fit into teams above my level, but whenever I had the chance, yes!<\/p>\n

POP: Were you the type to create your own tactics, or did you turn to forums and use other people's tactics?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: I always made my own tactics based on the players I had, and I still do to this day.<\/p>\n

\u00a0POP: In Football Manager<\/em>, you appear among Cova da Piedade's Icons, the club where you started your development and later your senior career, alongside another club icon, Lu\u00eds Leal. Could we hope to see both of you make a comeback in the future, or is that a long shot?<\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: I had no idea, but it's something that makes me happy. There's always that possibility, yes, although right now I have other plans, but the possibility is there.<\/p>\n

\"Jo\u00e3o
Jo\u00e3o Meira and the Cova da Piedade icons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

POP: To wrap up, do you remember any funny story you can share with us about your experiences with FM?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jo\u00e3o Meira: I remember having an save online<\/em> with four friends, and during the holidays we'd stay up all night to the point of sometimes falling asleep waiting for one another. Another funny one was leading Atl\u00e9tico Clube de Portugal to be champions of everything and then some.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Index<\/p>\nToggle<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n