Heard as a witness and by video conference, Coentrão admitted that without the help he “wouldn’t have passed” the exam as he only knew the answers to about half the questions.

The footballer explained he had lost his licence and at the time he was starting his career at Real Madrid, so it would have been “very difficult” to get a new licence either in Spain, because of the language problems, or in Portugal as he could not come here as he had daily practice.

He said "many people told him" that a school in Prado, Vila Verde, "would assist" the learners for payment and he had used it, particularly as even Real Madrid was “pressuring him a lot” to get his licence.

He explained that one of the examiners would give him the answers to the theory questions my finger gests.

Fábio Coentrão has been charged, but the public prosecutor opted to suspend the case against payment of €3,000 to the Braga Food Bank.