Lewis Proud to Represent Northern Ireland in Brasileiro with Sao Paulo - Ansser Sadiq

Despite the challenges of the move from the British islands, Lewis is finding enjoyment in his new surroundings.

Ahead of facing Belarus with Northern Ireland on Saturday, he joked: “I guess I’m going to have to give man-of-the-match performances every week now.

“There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.

“And I am very proud to be a Northern Irishman playing in Brazil.

“The hotter climate makes for a different intensity in the football and, at times, I feel far away.

“But there is a rich culture of football and some hugely-talented players who have played in the ­Premier League before.

“It’s a massive challenge for me — and one that I am embracing with both hands.”