Smiling, excited and determined, he speaks English as he continues to learn Spanish. He has already picked up several keywords and phrases about wanting the ball on the playing court, and he is confident about mastering the language soon. The Portuguese-born footballer Domingos Quina was introduced as the new Elche player in an official presentation that highlighted his readiness to contribute to the team.
The new Franjiverde midfielder explained that he did not hesitate when Elche made an offer, as he wanted to return to Spanish football and La Liga. He spoke with his representative and recognized Elche as a strong, growing club. It felt like the perfect place to continue his development, especially after his time with Granada and other experiences in Spain.
Quina felt very comfortable in his first week with Elche and expressed his affection for the city, noting that it feels calm and reminiscent of Granada in some respects. He contrasted it with London, where he had lived during his stint with Watford, and he seemed eager to settle in and make an impact on the pitch.
Martínez, who has international experience with Portugal, emphasized the atmosphere during his first match at the Valero stadium. He praised the amazing fans and recalled their unwavering support in the clash against Almería.
Modric as a reference
Domingos Quina considers Real Madrid legend Luka Modric a key reference for his style. He describes himself as a box-to-box midfielder who enjoys attacking but also contributes to the defense. Quina often uses the description box-to-box in England to explain his game, balancing offensive impulses with defensive duties.
Elche’s new midfielder prefers to operate as an “8” or a “10,” but he stresses that the most important thing is to help the team, be useful, and stay open to the coach’s ideas. He met several times with Francisco and Elche’s head coach, which helped him feel free to be himself, enjoy the game, and have fun on the pitch.
On his debut, the Portuguese player was brought on for Gumbau in the 78th minute. He demonstrated his desire to get on the ball from the start, showcasing his willingness to dribble past opponents and even attempt long-range shots. He explained, “This is how I play. I like to take responsibility. The team needed a win, and the match moved at a high tempo. That’s the football I love.”
Quina already has La Liga experience from his time with Granada, including a goal he scored against Elche two seasons ago. When asked about the club’s potential, he stated that the immediate goal is to secure La Liga status for Elche. He acknowledged how challenging the league can be and emphasized that remaining in the top division is the priority before pursuing higher ambitions. He believes Elche possesses a solid squad and a strong club structure to achieve important objectives.
Looking ahead, Quina will face Real Sociedad in Elche’s upcoming match. Francisco has several midfield options at his disposal, including Portuguese players Mascarell, Gumbau, and Raúl Guti. It appears that Canarias and Catalonia will contribute to the starting eleven, with some familiar faces likely to reclaim their places after previous performances.