'Pico' Lopes – Cape Verde defender's journey from Ireland to World Cup (opens original article in a new tab)

Roberto 'Pico' Lopes shifted from a mortgage advisor in Ireland to a World Cup player with Cape Verde after being contacted by Shamrock Rovers.

• Roberto 'Pico' Lopes transitioned from a mortgage advisor in Ireland to a professional footballer
• Shamrock Rovers contacted Lopes, altering his career path
• Lopes is set to play against Uruguay in the World Cup
• Cape Verde's national team includes Lopes who previously played for Ireland