Florentino Luis has opened up on the “shock” he experienced during the first few days and weeks at Burnley and in the Premier League.
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The contract status of every Burnley player as Clarets near decision time](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/the-contract-status-of-every-burnley-player-as-clarets-near-decision-time-6526855 "The contract status of every Burnley player as Clarets near decision time")
The 26-year-old is in his first season at Turf Moor following his summer move from Portuguese side Benfica.
While the midfielder is on loan at Burnley, the deal includes an obligation to buy at the end of the current campaign.
Having always dreamed of lining up in the Premier League, Florentino suggests the experience has been more challenging than he potentially anticipated.
“I used to watch Premier League matches every weekend when I was younger, whenever I had time,” he told Portuguese podcast Sports Tailors.
“Today, being able to live this dream and be part of the elite has been a unique experience. It has been challenging every day since I arrived.
“I remember the first weeks of training, it was a shock. I knew it would be more intense, but when you actually experience it, you realise it’s much more intense. You have to be at your limit all the time.
Florentino is in his debut season at Turf Moor (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)placeholder image
Florentino is in his debut season at Turf Moor (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
“For me, every weekend is like a Champions League game. That’s the best comparison. You know you can’t relax at any moment.
“You see games where teams are winning 2-0 until the 80th minute, and then everything changes. There are a lot of comebacks. You can never relax.”
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Nevertheless, Florentino insists he’s settled in well at Burnley and is enjoying the experience.
“What surprised me the most was the work ethic inside the club,” he added. “Everyone breathes the same thing, everyone knows the objective is to be better prepared for the weekend.
“They care a lot about the personal side. I thought English people were more closed, but they are very friendly and open. That extra care shows the professionalism and why this league has been the best in the world for many years.”
But with the Clarets sitting 10 points adrift of safety with only seven games remaining, the chances of Scott Parker’s side avoiding relegation appear slim.
“Our goal is clear – to stay in the Premier League,” Florentino said.
“When you are fighting not to go down, it’s like having a rope around your neck. In those situations, you find strength where you didn’t think you had it.
“It develops you as a player and as a person. When you are comfortable, sometimes you stagnate. Here, you always feel there is something you can improve.”
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