The actor is in the capital, at the European premiere of the film festival he co-founded 22 years ago.

Speaking to journalists, at the beginning of the festival, De Niro was excited about the trip to Portugal.

"More than 20 years ago, when we created this festival in New York, we never imagined that it would continue for so many years and that one day it would come to Europe", he revealed.

Carolina Patrocínio, who moderated the opening event for the press, asked the actor if he already spoke Portuguese, as he knows the city well.

"I know more or less, yes. I have friends here. My father had an exhibition here. I've been to Sintra a few times. I know how to say Obrigado", he replied, with the last word in almost perfect Portuguese.

"It's a great opportunity to meet new people, a different culture, it's just positive things", he added, thanking the city that hosted this debut event.