Gabriel Mec unveiled at FC Porto: “Many wanted to be here” | OneFootball

Gabriel Mec is officially an FC Porto player and introduced himself with the ambition of turning this opportunity into a true statement in blue and white. The 18-year-old Brazilian spoke about the weight of the shirt, his desire to win trophies, and his excitement at the prospect of seeing a full Dragão. In his first message to the Porto world, he assured: “I’m here to add.”

It is a move full of expectation for Gabriel Mec, the former Grêmio player, who arrives at FC Porto fully aware that the challenge demands an immediate response on and off the pitch. At his presentation, the Brazilian conveyed one idea throughout his words: a dream has come true, but there is also an urgent need to work to justify it.

Facing this new stage, Gabriel Mec put his willingness to serve the team above any individual promise. His message was one of commitment to the club and to the responsibility of making the most of a place he recognizes as privileged.

“I come with the mindset of helping the club. It’s a dream for me. I will always give my maximum whenever I step onto the pitch. I know that many people would like to be in this position, and thank God I can be part of this,” he said. “I hope to win many trophies and defend the national title.”

The player also said he was “happy and honored” to arrive at a club like FC Porto, admitting that the “expectations are very high.” The bar has been set from the very first contact: Gabriel Mec does not hide that he has come to chase achievements.

The size of the Porto badge was another point emphasized by the Brazilian signing. For Gabriel Mec, the decision to head to the Dragão needed no time to mature.

“Everyone knows the greatness of FC Porto, a club that has won the Champions League twice and the most decorated in Portugal. I’m very happy to be part of all this, and when the opportunity came to come here, I didn’t think twice,” he added. “Thank God it worked out.”

The path between Grêmio and FC Porto includes references the youngster knows well. Pepê and Mário Jardel stand out as examples of a connection Gabriel Mec now intends to continue in his own way.

“There are several examples of Grêmio players who came to FC Porto, like Pepê and Super Mário, Jardel, who is an idol here. I followed their example and came after my dream,” he said. “Being part of all this is a dream come true for me. The expectation is huge, and I hope I can help the Club and, God willing, maybe even become part of FC Porto’s history as well.”

More than following a route already known, Gabriel Mec wants to build his own place. His ambition to enter the club’s history is therefore linked to his desire to contribute in the present.

The little game time he recently had at Grêmio left no bitterness in the player’s words. On the contrary, Gabriel Mec made a point of recognizing the role of Luís Castro, Vítor Severino, and the rest of the coaching staff in his development.

“He wasn’t just a coach, he was a friend who helped me a lot. He always told me the truths I needed to hear. Him and Vítor Severino, among all the other members of the coaching staff who also helped me a lot, but those two in particular,” he revealed. “Both helped me a lot, both on and off the pitch. They told me I had the potential to play in Europe, but that I needed to improve in some areas. They told me, ‘we’re going to work on that with you, because we can see you have a future and we want to help you succeed.’”

Gratitude does not erase the demands that were passed on to him: there was potential, but also areas that needed correcting. It is that room for growth that the Brazilian now takes with him to FC Porto.

Compared to Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Gabriel Mec received the comparison enthusiastically, but rejected any shortcut. The focus, he assured, is on growing without losing his identity.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m very happy. It’s Ronaldinho, we’re not talking about just any player. He was a great footballer and an inspiration,” he acknowledged. “I watch his videos and feel inspired, but I still have to work a lot to reach his level. I’m trying to create my own image, Gabriel Mec’s, and I hope to keep growing.”

The reference serves as inspiration, not a definitive comparison. Above all, Gabriel Mec wants the name on his back to be that of a player with his own path.

Describing his football, the Porto signing presented himself as a player with initiative, capable of looking for solutions even after making a mistake. Offensive versatility is another of the tools he believes he can place at the team’s service.

“I’m a player who likes to improvise. I’m not afraid of making mistakes; I can make mistakes two or three times, but I’ll always try one more time,” he began. “I like to find passing lanes, finish moves, and score goals. I’m a very dedicated athlete and, while I’m on the pitch, I’ll always give my best.”

As for the positions he can occupy, Gabriel Mec reinforced his willingness to respond wherever necessary. Quickly adapting to the system and his teammates is a priority.

“I’m a versatile athlete. From midfield forward, I can play in any position, whether on the right wing or the left,” he explained. “I’m comfortable playing out on both sides, and I think that’s a strong point that helps me a lot. I want to adapt to the team as quickly as possible so that I can help.”

The picture is of a player who does not want to be tied to just one role, but who knows integration will be decisive. At the Dragão, the promise is one of commitment and a constant search for space to make a difference.

His debut at the stadium is already on Gabriel Mec’s mind. Just the idea of stepping out in front of full stands stirs an emotion the Brazilian did not try to hide.

“I’m extremely eager to play here. Just looking at the stadium gives me chills,” he said. “I can only imagine the stadium full, with everyone singing. It’s going to be very beautiful.”

The final message was direct, aimed at the fans and at the weight he recognizes in the shirt. Gabriel Mec arrives fully aware that the opportunity demands total commitment.

“I, Gabriel Mec, am here to add. I know the weight of wearing this shirt,” he assured. “I will always give my maximum whenever I step onto the pitch. I’ll give everything of myself and I hope I can help the Club build a beautiful story.”

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