Rodrigo Gonçalves signs professional contract | OneFootball

Rodrigo Gonçalves has become the latest player from FC Porto to sign a professional contract. At 16 years old, the young Portuguese international midfielder is in his eighth season with the blue and white jersey and, before joining the club's schools, he went through the ranks of UD Valonguense.

Satisfied and accomplished"I'm very happy. It's the fulfillment of a goal and a childhood dream."

Review of the 2024/25 season"It was a good season, it served for me to grow. I was able to share the locker room with guys who are two and three years older than me, so I gained experience and game knowledge. I also gained extra-football things, which are only gained with the older ones. It was positive."

Most memorable moment"It was my debut for the juniors. I was nervous and didn't expect to be called up, because in the second week of pre-season I moved up a level. I was happy and nervous, but I think it's good to be nervous. But yes, I think I even put on a good performance."

Entry into the U-19s"I remember that in the first training the coach told me to be calm, to play what I knew and not to worry, because I was going to add things to the team."

First steps in the career"I played for fun. Even today I take great pleasure in playing football, but at the time it wasn't taken so seriously, it was more to be with my friends. As I grew up things became a bit more professional, but I remember sharing the locker room with my friends. We had a good team, with very fun people, so they were good years."

The passion for football"It came naturally. My father also played football and everyone at the school I attended played football."

Midfielder by nature"I've played various positions in midfield, but I've never really moved away from that."

A reference in the club"In the universe of FC Porto I followed Rúben Neves. I liked him when he played at FC Porto, especially because he debuted young and was immediately captain, so I think he's a good reference."

Group profile"We have a good locker room, with people who know how to be in both moments: the moment to take seriously, in training and in the game, and who know how to have fun at the end of training, at the stages and after the games."

Representing Portugal"Since the U-15s, going to the national team has been a goal. In the U-15s I didn't have the opportunity to go, despite fighting for it every day, but it was a goal and a dream that I managed to achieve later."

The European U-17 champions"I followed their journey and I get along very well with the three of them. Of course they become references, because this year is also my U-17 year. I aim to play the 2026 European Championship."

The dream guides me"All players dream of playing here and my dream is to play in the Primeira Liga and the Champions League, because this is FC Porto."

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