The other day was the first time I saw a random Portuguese guy on the street with a City shirt. I was even tempted to post about it here, as some sort of symptom of a new age, half-joking of course. They are still quit largely ignored, football fans know of their existence but few seem to care. They're in about the same tier as PSG, more feared than respected or well-known.
Chelsea is way past that phase, there were a few sympathizers (I remember some "fans" - followers - in my school from the Zola days) back then, and they have increased a lot in noteworthiness these days. My brother aged 16 is a Chelsea fan, and wouldn't distinguish them in status from other European greats such as United or Real. Portugal isn't representative in that regard though, as Mourinho and the Portuguese brigade are heavily associated with the club.
Chelsea is way past that phase, there were a few sympathizers (I remember some "fans" - followers - in my school from the Zola days) back then, and they have increased a lot in noteworthiness these days. My brother aged 16 is a Chelsea fan, and wouldn't distinguish them in status from other European greats such as United or Real. Portugal isn't representative in that regard though, as Mourinho and the Portuguese brigade are heavily associated with the club.
