Much like his stint at White Hart Lane, Mendes has found himself on the sidelines at Fratton Park, having originally impressed
The cry of ‘shoot!’ is never far from the fans’ lips whenever the Portuguese nears goal – it was Mendes’ last-gasp vicious half-volley against Manchester City that sparked Pompey’s remarkable escape from relegation in 2005/06.
That goal, and a similarly long-range effort the following week at West Ham have made him one of Fratton’s favourite sons.
Neat in possession, an incisive passer and tigerish in the tackle, his selection for the FA Cup final was a surprise choice in what had been a disappointing season by his high standards.
Mendes was a member of Porto’s Champions League winning side, managed by Jose Mourinho.