Claudio Braga, the forward who has quickly become a fan favourite at Heart of Midlothian, recently opened up about his aspirations and the mindset he is adopting as the new Scottish Premiership campaign kicks off. The Portuguese striker, who enjoyed a breakthrough first season at Tynecastle that culminated in being named the PFA Scotland Player of the Year, emphasized that while every professional footballer harbours ambitions, his immediate priority is to give his all for the Jambos this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of Hearts' opening fixture against Aberdeen, Braga explained that he tries not to let off‑field speculation distract him from his on‑field responsibilities. "As a professional you have to keep your focus on the job in front of you," he said. "I try not to listen to the rumours or the chatter about potential moves. Those conversations are happening with my agents, but unless there is a concrete offer that makes sense for both me and the club, I prefer not to get involved." He added, "Every player has ambitions, that's natural.
I have a contract with Hearts and I will only consider a change if it genuinely benefits my career and the team. For now, my energy is directed at helping the club achieve its goals this season." Braga's remarks come at a time when Hearts are still feeling the sting of last season's heartbreak.
The team came within a whisker of clinching the Scottish Premiership title, only to be undone by a dramatic defeat at Celtic Park on the final day. That narrow miss has left a lingering sense of unfinished business, and Braga says it has actually heightened the squad's hunger.
"Losing the title so close to the end makes you want to avoid that feeling again," he noted. "It fuels a greater determination to go out and win the games that matter." He was realistic about the challenges that lie ahead, acknowledging that the road back to the top will not be straightforward. "Nobody says it will be easy, and the odds may not always be in our favour," Braga admitted. "We have a lot of changes – new coaches, new players, a different style of play – and it will take time for everything to gel.
But once we find that rhythm, I believe we can be a strong side." New head coach Wouter Vrancken, who took the reins after Derek McInnes departed for Rangers, has been clear in his own messaging. He urged his players to leave last season's disappointment behind and concentrate on the tasks that lie ahead. "In sport you always have to look forward and invest your energy in what comes next," Vrancken told Sky Sports News. "I know what it feels like to miss a title in the dying minutes – I lived through that a few years ago.
You have to process the emotions, learn from them, and then move on." Vrancken's philosophy is already evident in his pre‑match comments before the trip to Pittodrie. He stressed confidence and preparation, noting that Hearts have not won at Aberdeen since 2016.
"We have a good chance if we play to our strengths and stay united," the 47‑year‑old said. "We've studied their recent performances, and we know what to expect.
It's not going to be an easy away game, but if we are fully prepared and execute our plan, we can break that long‑standing pattern." The summer transfer window has been busy for Hearts. Key figures such as captain Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin departed for Rangers, creating gaps that needed to be filled. In response, the club brought in ten new signings, while loan players Stuart Findlay and Rogers Mato earned permanent deals.
Vrancken, however, made it clear that his focus remains on the squad currently at his disposal. "My job is to get the best out of the players we have now," he explained.
"Transfers are part of the game, but I don't waste energy worrying about who might leave or arrive. I concentrate on the things I can control – training, tactics, and motivation." For Braga, the upcoming season represents both a personal and collective challenge.
He wants to build on the momentum of his award‑winning debut year while helping Hearts translate potential into tangible results. "I feel a responsibility to the fans and the club," he said. "We have the talent, we have the desire, and if we stay focused on each match, we can achieve something special." As the Jambos prepare to face Aberdeen under the bright lights of Pittodrie, the narrative is clear: hearts are set on moving forward, learning from past near‑misses, and turning ambition into action. With a blend of experienced leaders, fresh faces, and a coach determined to forge a new identity, Hearts aim to rewrite the story of last season's disappointment and stake a claim as genuine contenders for the Scottish Premiership title.