The 21-year-old was speaking to SportMediaset when he learned that Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had selected him for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
The call-up came days after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with his country.
Varela reflected on the significance of scoring against Inter, a goal that remains the most important of his time in Italy so far.
“The first goal I scored against Inter is the most important one, because of what it meant and because it came in a historic stadium. Honestly, I did not think I would score. I just tried to play my best football. Then, when the goal came, it was incredible. Even when I watched the replays again, it was beautiful.”
Asked about receiving his first Portugal call-up at a moment when Ronaldo had stepped away from the national team, Varela admitted the opportunity carried enormous emotional weight.
“These are huge emotions. That is all that is in my head: the fact that it will be a great moment for me. I hope I can represent my country in the best possible way. When you look at Portugal, you think of Cristiano Ronaldo and you want to play like Ronaldo. That is what we all want.”
Varela also named the forwards who have influenced him, pointing to a former Real Madrid and France striker as the player he admired most when looking back at his career.
“If I look back, I would say Benzema, a complete striker. In the present, I like watching the league I play in. We have Pio Esposito here and he is really complete too. Then there is Thuram, and Gonçalo Ramos is very good.”
His prolific opening to the campaign has inevitably prompted speculation about possible interest ahead of the January transfer window. Varela, however, was keen to keep his attention on Monza and the work required to maintain his form.
“The only thing I can control is that I have a contract with Monza and I just have to keep working. Because if I did not keep working, I would not even be here for this interview…”
The Portuguese forward has quickly become one of the season’s most eye-catching performers in Italy. His immediate priority, though, is to build on that start at club level and make the most of his first opportunity with the senior national team.