Eustáquio hails Porto signings: “Brings real squad competition” | OneFootball

Stephen Eustáquio is preparing for his fifth consecutive season with FC Porto, a journey that fills the Portuguese-Canadian midfielder with pride.

"If, seven years ago, you told me I would be at FC Porto for five seasons, I would have called you crazy. But here I am, with a lot of playing time at the club," the player began in an interview with OneSoccer channel, during the Canadian national team's concentration in Bucharest, Romania's capital.

The transformation promoted by the blue and white SAD, led by André Villas-Boas, elicited comments from the midfielder, who came from Paços de Ferreira.

"This summer had the largest transfer window ever for FC Porto and that brings a lot of internal competition, but at the same time, I feel that I am important to the team, due to the experience I have accumulated at the club. I feel that I am connected to the values and people of FC Porto and I feel that I can transmit this mentality to the younger ones and the players who have been at the club for a short time. I have given my life every season and this one will be no different. I have to fight for my place. I know it will be difficult, but it also depends on me. My goal is to help FC Porto be the best possible team. The national title has been eluding us for three seasons and that is something I really want to give back to our fans. I am not one to run away from challenges, nor can I."

In the 2025/26 season, the technical command passed to the Italian Francesco Farioli, who arrived at the club after a short period as an available coach. "I am loving our training at FC Porto. They are very demanding, with high intensity and a strong load. They also have a lot of ball, which for me, is fantastic. I feel very, very motivated," assured the number 6 and one of the captains of the Porto team.

"I have to communicate more, be an example, which is sometimes very challenging. And on top of all this, I have to fulfill my mission on the field. At the same time, I feel comfortable in this role, because it is something I have been doing at FC Porto. I have failed a lot, but most of the good things I do now are also due to that."

With 89 minutes of play in the current season, the 28-year-old player is already projecting the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

"It will be a pride to have two World Cup participations. I remember that I arrived in Qatar [in 2022] at the best stage of my career. I was scoring goals and making assists at FC Porto, playing 90 minutes regularly, Champions League...," recalled the midfielder.

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