The Sun helpfully headlined this interview with Hugo ‘You’re ruining my life Bob’, which gave an entirely inaccurate impression of what he was trying to say.
Understandably Viana wants to clinch a place in the Portugal squad for next summer’s Euro 2004 finals in his homeland, and wants to play more often to help him do that.
"This season I must do more for Newcastle United," he said. "I want to go to Euro 2004 and that means playing in the Premiership and the Champions League every week.
"Next summer is so important to me and it is all I have been thinking about since returning to pre-season training.
"I am working hard to guarantee my place in the Newcastle side but I know, like last season, it will be difficult."
So no mention of Sir Bobby ruining his life then.