Cardoso Varela back at FC Porto: “It was always my dream to return” | OneFootball

Cardoso Varela signed with FC Porto for three seasons, until 2029, the maximum duration allowed given that he is still a minor. The return of the 17-year-old winger to the Dragão was completed at no cost to the blue-and-whites, the club announced on Monday morning.

Dinamo Zagreb, however, will be entitled to 50 percent of any future transfer of the player. That percentage may be reduced to 25 percent if FC Porto exercises a purchase option set at 2 million euros.

“This experience I went through [in Croatia] helped me a lot physically and mentally. I’m more of a man now and I make my own decisions,” assured Cardoso Varela, who, under the influence of his agents, fell off Porto’s radar in 2024, when the SAD offered him his first professional contract.

“I had already missed it so much and I’m very happy to be back home. I was always very well received by the management and the staff at Casa do Dragão. I feel at home and I want to keep giving my best here,” said the young winger in statements to the club’s media outlets.

The new deal between Cardoso Varela and FC Porto includes a 50-million-euro release clause. Dinamo Zagreb will also be responsible for the solidarity mechanism owed to third parties, while FC Porto “declares that it will not incur any costs for intermediary services.”

The winger also revealed details of the conversation he had with Villas-Boas, during which he apologized to the FC Porto president and expressed his desire to return to the club. “I’ve already spoken with the president and it was a very good conversation for me, it helped me a lot,” he said.

He added: “It was always my dream to return. Something happened that cannot happen, but now I’m focused on working for FC Porto. It’s a unique and indescribable feeling. It’s a dream for any young player.”

As for his first spell at Olival, he admitted: “I keep very good memories that taught me a lot and made me the player I am now. I’m very happy to meet old friends again.”

Cardoso Varela has meanwhile already set out his goals for this new stage in blue and white. “I’m returning with the aim of helping the B team, reaching the first team squad and representing FC Porto in the best possible way. I’m very eager to work,” he promised, before leaving a message for the fans: “I just want to tell the fans that they are going to see the best version of Cardoso Varela.”

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