João Afonso thrilled to join FC Porto: “Diogo Costa was always my idol” | OneFootball

João Afonso will join FC Porto until 2031 and, by all indications, the start of his spell with the Dragons will be split between training with the first team and playing matches for the B team. It is a significant step for the 20-year-old goalkeeper, who only a few weeks ago played at the Dragão wearing Santa Clara’s shirt.

“I played for Santa Clara at the Dragão and it gave me a chance to see the atmosphere and the fans. I said to myself: ‘I wish I could be here too.’ It’s very different; FC Porto is a club on a much bigger scale than what I was used to. It’s a source of pride,” said João Afonso in comments to the club’s media, before speaking about who he will find in Porto’s dressing room.

“It’s a bit strange, because not long ago I was playing against them and now I’ll be able to be with them. It’s very good; João Costa congratulated me and I congratulated him as well, because I follow the work of FC Porto’s goalkeepers, the manager’s press conferences and the way they work. That’s what I’m coming here to do: work. Diogo Costa has always been my idol, so it’s really great to be with him at FC Porto,” he said.

As for what awaits him at the club, he assures he is ready for any scenario. “My goal is to represent FC Porto’s colors at the highest level. To always give my all, whether with the first team or the B team. And to do as I did at Santa Clara: wait for the opportunity and then make the most of it,” he added, concluding: “It was very emotional, everything happened very quickly. Not long ago I was still playing for the under-23s, then the manager started trusting me more, I began getting minutes with the first team and, fortunately, things went well. Being transferred to a club like FC Porto is a very important step and obviously I’m going to give it my all.”

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