Luísa inspires FC Porto, earns ovation at Olival training ground | OneFootball

It is often said that football goes beyond mere sport. An episode that took place today at the Jorge Costa Training and Sports Development Center, in Olival, illustrates this idea well. The Dragons’ squad welcomed a special visitor to their facilities, Luísa, whom Francesco Farioli and his assistants met during their Christmas visit to the pediatric wing of Joãozinho, at São João Hospital.

At the time, the girl was hospitalized, being treated for Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare condition. The FC Porto coach was impressed by her vitality and invited her to spend a day with the team. To make the moment even more special, Luísa brought Salvador, her friend and partner in figure skating, who gave up practicing while she recovers so that she can return to being his partner. In a touching gesture of solidarity, Francesco Farioli created a symbolic moment that brought much joy and smiles to Porto fan Luísa.

“Today we have a special visitor. She is a great friend of mine and, above all, a huge Porto fan. But she is also a great champion. When we talk about energy, and that’s something we talk about a lot, she raises the standard to another level. So, I think she has something to teach us,” said Farioli when introducing Luísa to the squad, the rest of the coaching staff, and all the staff who work daily at Olival.

Then it was Luísa’s turn to speak, and no one could hold back their emotions. “Falling is part of it, getting up is a choice,” said the girl, receiving a standing ovation from the entire blue and white team. Luísa will now spend six weeks in Madrid to undergo a treatment that is not available in Portugal. Even so, she wished the Dragons success for the match in Plzen, against Viktoria. She left Olival with the recognition of the entire FC Porto team. “A special friend. An inspiring example for all of us. Luísa, you are also part of the Portista Family,” wrote the blue and whites on social media.

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