Luis Boa Morte became a club legend at Fulham
Joining Arsenal marked the beginning of a dream for Luis Boa Morte, but it was at Fulham where he truly found his home.
In 1997, the Portuguese winger moved to the Premier League, stepping out of relative obscurity after impressing at the Toulon Tournament. He initially thought Arsenal's interest was a joke, especially since he was on loan from Sporting CP to lower-league Lourinhanense.
"When they contacted me, I thought they were joking. The truth is I didn't really want to go to England; my desire was to stay at Sporting and reach the first team. But they didn't want to review my contract at that time, and there was only that solution," Boa Morte explained to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
"Only when Sporting did not want to renew [my contract] did I know that it was Arsenal and then said: ‘We’ll catch the plane tomorrow,'" he added in a chat with Tribuna Expresso.
Sky Sports fans can save £216 on their bill, here's three other reasons you'll want to pick it
Arsenal star Jorginho tells team-mates to 'find new club' if they've lost manager's trust
His initial reluctance turned to awe upon arriving in north London. At just 19, Boa Morte found himself among a long line of world-class stars. "I arrive at Arsenal and I'm there with David Seaman, Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Ian Wright... there was a lot of quality," he recalled. "Suddenly, I'm right there among them. These things I was not expecting and had to get used to fast."
Manager Arsene Wenger played a significant role in helping Boa Morte adjust, labelling his influence as "like a dad for me" when speaking to VAVEL. "Wenger was very important. Even before I signed, he spoke to me," he said. “They had patience with me, and they helped me. I can’t complain because things went well for me.”
Despite playing a part in Arsenal's 1997/98 Premier League-winning season, Boa Morte found it tough to nail down a starting position and eventually left for Southampton in 1999, followed by a move to Fulham. It was then that his career took a positive turn, becoming a key player and earning the affection of fans.
Boa Morte was brought to England by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
(
Image:
Daily Mirror)
"Fulham says a lot to me: for the promotion, for everything I've been through, and for having created a connection with the club and the fans," Boa Morte reflected. Under Jean Tigana's management, he played a pivotal role in getting them promoted to the Premier League in 2001.
He cherishes his time at Fulham above all, despite winning titles with Arsenal. "That's where I had the most influence," he admitted. "Although at Arsenal I won the Premier League, the [FA] Cup and the Super Cup, Fulham says a lot more to me."
Boa Morte, who left Fulham in 2007, had spells with West Ham United and headed overseas before hanging up his boots and moving into coaching. He returned to the club as assistant to Marco Silva in 2021, but after three years he left to take over the national team of Guinea-Bissau in the summer.
Boa Morte - whose former sides meet today (December 8) - reflects on his journey philosophically. From aspiring to make it into Sporting's first team to standing alongside Premier League legends, his career has been one of constant evolution.
The 47-year-old returned to his former club as a coach for three seasons
(
Image:
Getty Images)
"My idols became my colleagues, and things started to be done differently to what I was used to," he shared. "Those experiences shaped me as both a player and a person."
Even now, Fulham holds a special place in his heart. Fans continue to sing his name and recall his golden days, ensuring his legacy at Craven Cottage remains intact - a testament that home isn't necessarily where you begin, but instead where you are truly accepted.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Get the new Arsenal shirt for 2024/2025
The new Arsenal shirt for next season is now on sale Ranging from £55-£110
The new shirt has returned the Gunners to their roots placing a stripped-down, elegant-looking canon right over the heart of the new shirt. Shirt manufacturers Adidas have produced a "clean and minimal" and the design "embraces modernity, while honouring Arsenal’s rich heritage.
Adidas
Buy it now