Interview: Andreia Norton, the "Ananás" of our football team!
Best known as “Ananás” (Portuguese for pineapple) of the Portuguese women's football team, Andreia Norton is strong and vibrant, on the outside, and super sweet, on the inside. The nickname is due to her massive curly hair, which she ties up when she plays.
To Andreia, football came easy and natural. She started playing very young with her friends in Ovar, her hometown. At 7, she was already playing federated football at Furadouro, in a boy’s team.
At 20, she scored the goal that enabled Portugal to qualify for the European Women's Championship for the first time. She was included in the "Quinas de Ouro" award among the "11 Best Players" in the Portuguese women's league.
After a year and a half abroad, between Germany and Italy, Andreia Norton is back in Portugal to SC Braga!
When did you start playing football?
I remember playing football in the street with my friends and my cousins and later, around the age of six/seven, I started playing federated football at Furadouro, in a boy’s team where I was the only girl.
Do you have any advice for the girls who are just starting?
The best advice I can give is to never give up on your dreams and look for the best roles models to set goals and aims.
What was it like playing in an all-boys team?
It was awesome. They always treated me with such respect and affection. Even though I was a girl, there were no differences. It was all very normal for me, I just wanted to play football. I think it also helped a lot that I already had friends on the team.
The funny part was the shower time. I was always the first to shower while the boys were waiting outside... I was very lucky because they were very understandable and always there to help. Yet in the field, we were all the same. Even though I was a girl they didn't make it any easier... even the guys we played against didn't underestimate me and saw me on the field as another player.
Can you tell me a funny story about the national team?
There are many funny moments. Especially when we do group activities. But then we have those moments in the field where everything can happen.
In one game, Ana Borges caught her boot in the shoelace of the opposite foot and tripped in a very funny way. It was as if she had thrown herself into a pool and she herself thought it was a foul and went running after the referee demanding a foul! Now imagine seeing the repetition of these moments. Very funny!
Which players do you admire the most?
Julie Ertz. USA national team player. Ertz is a player who "fills the field". I remember when we played against the US national team in the first game, I was on the bench in the first half and I was simply fascinated by the way she plays and her quality.
She's a simple player, but if you pay close attention to her game you see what she brings to the team
For you, what was a decisive moment in your career?
Scoring the goal that took the women's team to the European Championship. To this day I can't explain the feeling very well, but it was very special.
It was a decisive moment and it was up to me to do it. However, I do not feel "special" or more than all the other players who, in their way, worked to get there. The ones that were part of this journey for years culminated in a goal by me and the European qualification.
How has it been returning to Braga?
It's been good. I already knew the "house" and it's always good to be back and be able to play for this club. Once again, I was received by the club and fans with great affection.
I came back in January and played only three games, one of them against Sporting for the Portuguese Cup. We won 3-0 and I still got a goal.
However, the situation in the country got worse and the matches had to be postponed ... we are now back, and already preparing for the finals, League Cup, and Portuguese Cup both against SL Benfica.
What do you like to do when you’re not training/playing?
I like to be with my family and my friends, I like to walk or even stay at home watching a series.
Where did you get your last takeaway?
Last takeaway...... I think it was Sushi... at Temple San in Braga. I'm a fan!
What's the song you choose in a Karaoke?
Can't fight the moonlight 😁 everyone knows and I suppose you've all seen the movie "coyote ugly".
How did you keep busy during quarantine?
The training kept me busy during the morning and late afternoon, but for a long time at home it was hard to find something different to do every day... but I wasn't alone which wasn't so bad.
What are you most grateful for this year?
We are going through a very complicated and dedicated time and I think I should be grateful to wake up every day, in good health, knowing that my family is also well and my friends.
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