I’ll wear this shirt for the top 10s in Hibs’ history
Jair is happy to take on Leith men’s heavy number
I want to be a star. I want to leave my mark on football history JAIR TAVARES HAS HIGH HOPES FOR HIS TIME AT HIBS
JAIR TAVARES admits the burden of being the perfect 10 for Hibs wasn’t for him at first.
Arriving as a relative unknown last month the 21-year-old winger was hesitant to lumber himself with the added pressure brought by the number so often symbolic of a side’s most creative talent.
At Easter Road the shirt has lain unclaimed ever since Martin Boyle exited to Saudi Arabia in January and Hibees have been looking for a new hero ever since. Perhaps understandable then that Tavares initially turned down the club’s offer of the 10. But after a rethink the Portuguese ace changed his view that what could be a heavy load might also be the ultimate show of faith from Lee Johnson and an opportunity to lift his game to a new level. Now he’s got his number Tavares is itching to prove he can fill the shirt and represent the heroes who have worn it down the years, a list of magicians and mavericks including Boyle, Derek Riordan and Russell Latapy among others.
The former Benfica B winger is in line to start the league opener against St Johnstone with Aiden McGeady limping off in Sunday’s friendly win over Norwich with an ankle knock.
Tavares said: “The first time they offered me the No.10 I rejected it. When I arrived they asked me if I wanted 23. But I don’t like that number.
“So they asked if I had to choose a number which one would I like? I like the No.11. But that’s occupied! So they said if I wanted I could have No.10.
“I said no. There’s too much responsibility to have that number. I’m new here and wearing No.10 is a bit heavy! “But the next day I slept well and asked some friends about it. They all said the same thing – accept the 10! So here I am. “I know there are a lot of heroes here who wore it. That’s why I said no at first. But of course they would not have given me the number if they didn’t have faith in me.
“I saw on Twitter that fans were writing the guy who wore 10, Martin Boyle, was so good. I’m here to represent him too – I’m here to represent all the No10s for the Hibs!”
Tavares’ natural pace gives him a head start when it comes to his ambition to leave his mark on the Scottish game.
Leaving Lisbon after 15 years associated with Benfica was difficult. But it’s in Scotland’s capital that the former Portugal youth international reckons he can become king of the wing.
His cousin, Lille and Portugal superstar Renato Sanches,paved the way for leaving their hometown club and going on to better himself six years ago.
And Tavares said: “Renato congratulated me on the move to Hibs. He said he was happy for me and gave me advice to keep pushing, pushing, pushing and never rest. Not just Renato but my dad was a footballer and I have two brothers who play so my family has football in its veins.
“It was an emotional decision to leave Benfica. I had been there since I was six. But I needed to take a new step. I’d already played in the second league in Portugal but it’s not the same as here.
“I want to be a star. I want to leave my mark on football history. I hope everyone here can help me like I’m here to help them.
“The Portuguese game is way different to Scottish football. But I’m here to improve and I’m really focused on this season because it is important to me.
“I hope to bring happiness and smiles to the supporters. I dream of everyone shouting and singing my name.
“One of the most important things in my decision to come here was the coach. He put a lot of trust in me. I believe in him and the staff. The opportunity they give me is a blessing.”