Interview conducted by Marco Martins for Luso Journal

On the 15th day of the first women's division, Issy received the ogre, Olympique Lyonnais. At the end of the 90 minutes, the score was final. 9-0 for the Lyonnaises who have thus experienced a new walk of health. However we were able to discuss with Marie Pinto, lusodescendante who plays Issy and who during the match against Lyon has returned in the last minutes. Marie Pinto has firmly shown us her desire to wear the jersey "das Quinas".

LusoJornal: A word on this severe result?
Marie Pinto: We had a little trouble, it's the resumption of the championship and we knew that Lyon was a steamroller. We tried to limit the damage but it was very difficult. To stand up to them, you have to be very well physically, as we did in the first leg where we only had one goal in halftime.

LusoJornal: Issy is in bad shape right now, are you already thinking of the descent?
Marie Pinto: It's difficult, but we try to be in solidarity and use the matches we play against teams like Lyon. We will do everything to maintain ourselves. Besides, maybe we can say that we are going down, it can free us for the games that are coming, instead of putting a lot of pressure on us.

LusoJornal: Did you expect so much trouble?
Marie Pinto: In relation to my situation, I would say yes because I came from a complicated season in Saint-Maur. But I will continue to work for me, for the team, to try to get by. If unfortunately we must go down to D2, we will have to tie up the links to go directly back to D1.

LusoJornal: What are you missing to be a member of this team?
Marie Pinto: Last year I played little with Saint-Maur, and I lost a bit of everything, both in intensity and physical level. What I need is to improve my athletic level and especially to continue working. In any case when I return to the field, I give myself thoroughly.

LusoJornal: Are you lusodescendante, is the Portuguese selection a dream likely to materialize?
Marie Pinto: It's a dream to go to Portugal. I have already sent videos of my services to the coach and we'll see if I'm selected or not. In any case, this dream I want to concretize it.

LusoJornal: Have you ever had contacts with the Federation?
Marie Pinto: Yes, I had three years ago. At the time Mónica Jorge (note: responsible for women's football in Portugal) contacted me and asked me to send videos and especially to do my papers to be able to represent Portugal. I took the time to do it, and in September 2014, it is the coach of Portugal (note: Francisco Neto) who called me. At the moment I am waiting.

LusoJornal: All papers are ready ...
Marie Pinto: Everything is ready except my Portuguese. I have to get going (Smile)

LusoJornal: Where does this gap come from?
Marie Pinto: My father who was born in Portugal, when I saw him, he spoke to me in French. My whole family on my father's side took the bad habit of speaking to me in French; hence this gap.

LusoJornal: But were you going on vacation?
Marie Pinto: Not especially because my whole family has emigrated to France. I went there when I was little, but not since. It is true that if I am selected, it would allow me to wear the shirt of the selection but also to discover my country of origin, because my mother is of Portuguese origin and my father is Portuguese. They are both from the Porto area.

LusoJornal: The next competition for Portugal is the Algarve Cup, why not be there?
Marie Pinto: It would be a dream to be there but I think the coach must already have his selection of ready. In any case I would be happy to go if I had the opportunity. What is a pity is that I have not yet done an internship with Portugal so that the coach can really know me. D2 players have already been selected and have already shown their talent, that's all I miss. Whether this year or next year, I want to participate in the Algarve Cup with Portugal.

After this defeat 9-0 against Lyon, Issy is still in the 11th and penultimate place with 20 points. Side lusodescendantes, we note that Metz lost 3-2 against Rodez and occupies the 10th place with 24 points.
As for the top of the rankings, Lyon continues its march forward with 60 points out of 60 possible, but only with three lengths ahead of Paris Saint-Germain who beat Juvisy on the score of 3-0.

Interview of Marie Pinto in audio: