Diogo Costa unsure of FC Porto future, explains No 2 snub | OneFootball

Diogo Costa spoke about the Super Cup against Torreense in a calm tone, despite the demands that mark the start of the new season. In the preview of the match, the FC Porto goalkeeper addressed his physical recovery, preparation for the opponent, the choice of the number 99 shirt, and the possibility of leaving the club, on which he offered one assurance: “I’m very happy here.”

After returning to work following his holiday, Diogo Costa answered journalists’ questions about his physical condition, the chance to win another trophy, and his future. The Portugal international highlighted the importance of rest, the need to maintain concentration levels, and the collective ambition, but avoided committing himself to staying beyond the present moment.

With only a short preparation period after a particularly demanding season, the goalkeeper considered the break essential, rejecting the idea that his late return could affect his fitness for Saturday’s clash.

“I think the rest I needed was also important here, because it was a season in which I played almost 70 matches,” he explained. “It was very important to have the necessary rest to be fresher for Saturday’s game. In any case, two weeks is not going to make me lose so much of my physical condition that I wouldn’t be ready.”

The player admitted that the goalkeeper position involves specific demands, although physical endurance is not the most decisive aspect.

“It involves other things, but it’s not as demanding in terms of endurance, so to speak.”

Confidence therefore dominates Diogo Costa’s remarks, as he sees rest and daily work as the basis for returning in good condition, without placing particular importance on the time spent away from the pitch.

Torreense will be the first obstacle of the season, but FC Porto are approaching the match with no room for complacency. Diogo Costa explained that the analysis of the opponent went beyond the match against Sporting, focusing on the identity the team has shown throughout the season.

“Yes, we didn’t just analyse that game against Sporting, we analysed everything that makes up the identity Torreense has had throughout the whole season,” he stressed. “As I said, it’s a team that deserves our respect, and that is exactly what we will show.”

Asked about the main dangers posed by the Torres Vedras side, the goalkeeper kept the same line of thought: FC Porto will have to be ready for every moment of the game.

“They can bring all kinds of situations that the game may require. The respect they deserve speaks for itself,” he said. “In every situation, such as set pieces or whatever the game demands, we will be as focused as possible. It’s a game to win, it’s a final, and we will respect Torreense in the way they deserve.”

The statements reflect a preparation based on constant concentration and respect for the opponent, regardless of how the match unfolds.

In a game in which FC Porto are expected to take much of the initiative, the goalkeeper may go long periods without being called into action before having to respond in a decisive moment. Diogo Costa explained that this ability is worked on every day, from the earliest years.

“Obviously, the concentration aspect has to be very high. Being an FC Porto player, one of our own, I think I’ve always been trained for exactly that since I was little: to play for a big team,” he said. “It’s already part of everyday life, it’s already a habit to have to prepare myself for those kinds of interventions where, perhaps, I’ll only have to make one, but it will have to be very important or very difficult. Obviously, concentration levels are fundamental, but all the daily work we do in training is the most important foundation.”

For the Porto keeper, training ground preparation is what allows him to stay alert when the ball rarely reaches his area. The response in the decisive moment is therefore the result of a routine built over time.

The aim is also to do better than last season. Diogo Costa pointed to identity, humility and collective improvement as the pillars for a team that wants to keep fighting for titles.

“We want to raise our standards in terms of identity. We will do everything we did last year, but we want to improve in every aspect as a team and as a club,” he assured. “The idea of being two-time champions will not be on our minds; we will be very humble and approach every game as a final, just as we did last season. I think we should follow that mentality that so strongly defines FC Porto.”

The Super Cup will be the first opportunity to put that ambition into practice. Diogo Costa believes the importance of the trophy is self-evident.

“It’s a title. I don’t think there is anything more important than the word itself,” he summed up. “It’s another title to add to our tally, and a club like FC Porto lives for that. That’s what we want to honour.”

The match against Torreense therefore carries the status of a final that FC Porto want to win, while keeping intact their respect for their rivals and the identity they want to consolidate.

The choice of shirt number was also in the spotlight. Invited by André Villas-Boas to take the number 2, associated with Jorge Costa and João Pinto, Diogo Costa chose to continue with 99, although he acknowledged the historical importance of that legacy.

“First of all, I am extremely grateful to our president for giving me that challenge. I feel very honoured and proud that he sees me as an important person in this club,” he acknowledged. “But I think continuing on my own path was also important. What happened to Jorge is something that is still very fresh in my memory, and I think it is something we must continue to honour and pay tribute to. That was a big part of it, wanting to keep following my own path while respecting the legacy that number has.”

The decision to keep 99 therefore does not represent any lack of appreciation for the history linked to number 2. Rather, it is about preserving a personal path while still respecting the figures who made it symbolic at FC Porto.

Naturally, the possibility of a departure was once again raised in the context of the transfer market. Diogo Costa did not guarantee that the Super Cup or the days that follow could not coincide with a farewell, but he again stressed how happy he is to represent the club.

“I’ve been linked with leaving this club for some time now. As I’ve done up to now, what I can say is that I’m very happy here and, while I’m here, I will always be the same player and the same person.”

On the possibility of remaining at FC Porto after 31 August, the goalkeeper answered without anticipating any scenario.

“If after that day I’m still here, then of course I will be.”

Diogo Costa also reaffirmed his desire to win more titles, but acknowledged that professional football is marked by change. As long as he remains at the club, he guarantees that his commitment will be total.

“As I said, I’m very happy here, and I really want to keep winning titles for FC Porto,” he assured. “But we all know what the life of a professional player is like. It’s something I can’t promise, but what I can promise is my work and my commitment, as I have done since I started playing for the first team.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.