Brighton & Hove Albion defender Costinha has described playing in the Premier League as a childhood dream, admitting he questioned whether it was really happening when he made his debut in England's top flight.

The Portuguese right-back, who joined the Seagulls from Olympiacos, has opened up about his journey to the Amex Stadium, the demands of Fabian Hurzeler's playing style and the meticulous recruitment process that brought him to the south coast.

Speaking exclusively to Flashscore, Costinha said reaching the Premier League was a moment he had dreamed about for years.

"The experience has been incredible because it is a stage that most players want and dream of reaching," he said.

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Costinha (left) has described playing in the Premier League as a childhood dream, admitting he questioned whether it was really happening when he made his debut in England's top flight. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Brighton & Hove Albion defender Costinha (left) has described playing in the Premier League as a childhood dream, admitting he questioned whether it was really happening when he made his debut in England's top flight. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

The defender admitted the reality of making his debut took some time to sink in.

"Is this really happening? Am I really in the Premier League?" he recalled thinking.

However, the 26-year-old has also had to adapt quickly to the intensity of English football, highlighting the pace and physical demands as key differences from his previous experiences.

"The pace is different, with transitions and full-pitch pressing," Costinha explained.

Costinha of Brighton & Hove Albion is challenged by Brenden Aaronson of Leeds United. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Brighton's approach requires players to be constantly alert, particularly when possession changes hands.

The Portuguese said the team must ‘press and react well when they lose the ball’, adding: "It demands a great deal from us physically."

Costinha also offered an insight into the extensive work Brighton undertake before committing to a signing, revealing that the club began gathering information about him well before his move was finalised.

"A year and a half before finalising my signing, they started asking various players [about me],” he said.

The Seagulls have become renowned for their detailed recruitment strategy, using data analysis alongside information gathered from people who have worked with potential targets.

Costinha said the process demonstrated the lengths Brighton go to when assessing prospective signings.

He added: "You can see how far they go to minimise the margin for error when signing a player.

The defender is equally impressed by the club's wider approach to planning, with statistical analysis playing a significant role in decisions across the organisation.

"Almost everything is managed based on statistics," he said, explaining that Brighton also establish ‘targets for the next five years’.

He believes the shared philosophy helps everyone at the club work towards the same objectives.

"Everyone on the staff embraces that method; we are all rowing in the same direction," Costinha said.

The Portuguese is enjoying his experience on the south coast and made clear he wants his time at Brighton to continue.

"I want to stay because it has been a great experience," he added.

From football heartbreak to the Premier League

Costinha's journey to English football was far from straightforward, with an early setback threatening to end his ambitions before his professional career had properly begun.

Released by Braga at the age of 17, the defender feared his dream of becoming a footballer was over.

"I told my parents that football was over," he recalled.

However, Rio Ave subsequently offered him an opportunity to continue his career, giving him a fresh chance to prove himself.

Costinha recognised the importance of that moment and was determined not to let it pass him by.

"This is my last chance and I have to seize it by any means necessary," he remembered thinking.

That opportunity helped put him back on course, eventually leading to spells with Rio Ave and Olympiacos before his move to Brighton.

Now competing in the Premier League, Costinha's story represents a significant turnaround from the disappointment he experienced as a teenager.

Away from football, the defender also spoke about the importance of his family and the sacrifices his parents made to support his ambitions.

He regards them as his biggest role models and hopes to repay their efforts after they helped him pursue a career in the game.

"They had done everything to ensure I lacked nothing and could dedicate myself to football," he said.

Costinha also revealed a personal ambition he hopes to fulfil as his career progresses.

"A house is a dream of mine, and I hope to make it happen," he added.

From fearing his football career was over at 17 to fulfilling his ambition of playing in the Premier League, Costinha's journey has been shaped by perseverance, opportunity and the support of those closest to him.

The full exclusive interview is available through Flashscore.