Two goal hero Duk has revealed his love for Aberdeen fans and how he hopes to repay them by securing a League Cup final slot.
Former Benfica striker Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes has quickly become a fans’ favourite since arriving from the Portuguese giants in the summer.
He netted a two goal salvo to fire Aberdeen to a 2-0 win against St Johnstone at Pittodrie.
The Cape Verde interntional’s double ended a winless five-game run for the Dons and eased the pressure on boss Jim Goodwin.
A first victory of 2023 also delivered a timely boost ahead of the League Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden on Sunday
Aberdeen blew a 2-1 lead against Rangers on December 20 by conceding two injury time goals to lose 3-2.
However Duk is confident Aberdeen have the quality to overcome Rangers at Hampden to keep alive the bid to lift a trophy for the first time since 2014.
He said: “We have fantastic fans and I love them so much.
“I am very happy to be here.
“When I am in the streets people come up to me and ask me how I am. That is great.
“I am excited to go there (Hampden) and do a good job.
“All the players want to win trophies because that is the best thing in football.
“Rangers are a big club with good players.
“We were unlucky with the result last time (3-2 loss) but we played well.
“We will be going into this game trying hard to win.
“And we have the quality to go there and win.
“We know if we play a good game we can win.”
Relishing battles with centre-backs
Duk is adored by the Red Army due to his all-action style, exciting skill and the ability to deliver goals.
Some of his goals this season have been spectacular, including a sensational free-kick in the 3-2 loss to Rangers last month.
He said: “I have always been a player who likes to fight with the big centre backs.
“It is one of my strengths.
“I am a striker and I always want to score. And I will score, of course.”
The 22-year-old has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season.
Duk netted a 15-yard drive in the 74th minute against St Johnstone then headed in from eight yards 10 minutes later to secure the three points.
The win closed the gap on third-placed Hearts to just three points as the Tynecastle club drew 1-1 at St Mirren.
Duk said: “I am happy we won the game.
“We needed the victory and I thought we played well and it was a terrific afternoon.
“For a striker, it is always good to score two goals. I am so happy.
“It was a good atmosphere as well.”
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Duuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkk. pic.twitter.com/1MAMJuZRMQ
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) January 8, 2023
‘I always believe in myself’
In the aftermath of the defeat of St Johnstone boss Jim Goodwin praised Duk’s two goal contribution and said the striker had ‘huge potential’.
Duk is contracted to Aberdeen until summer 2025.
The striker insists he has always had self belief and is ready to work hard to hit higher levels for the Dons.
He said: “I have a lot to develop.
“I don’t promise anything but I will keep trying and working hard
“You need to work everyday inside Cormack Park and to take care of yourself.
“I always believe in myself.”
Advice from Celtic star Jota
Duk came through the same Benfica system as Celtic attacker Jota.
The Dons attacker scored 11 times in 42 appearances for Benfica B in Liga Portugal B with Jota scoring nine in 47.
During his time with Benfica’s U23 side, Duk netted 18 times in 41 appearances.
Duk represented Portugal at under-18 and under-19 level, but made his Cape Verde senior debut against Ecuador last summer.
He earned a second cap in September when starting a 2-1 friendly away win over Bahrain.
Duk revealed he contacted Jota for advice before signing for Aberdeen.
He said: “We played together in the under-19s and in the youth league.
“He (Jota) is a good player and I keep in touch with him.
“I sent him a message about the league.
“He did tell me it was too cold!”
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Duuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkk. pic.twitter.com/2hmbTTh4Nr
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) January 7, 2023
The origin of the ‘Duk’ nickname
The popular striker also revealed the origin of his nickname Duk.
He said: “Duk it is my father’s nickname, so I have also been given it.”
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