Mike Walsh, first Irishman in Portugal: “I like Diogo Costa from Porto”

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Portal dos Dragões

·11 October 2025

Mike Walsh, first Irishman in Portugal: “I like Diogo Costa from Porto”

The former Irish forward Mickey Walsh, who made his mark wearing the FC Porto jersey, believes that the current Irish national team has lost the strength and prestige it once had.

“It’s not just a Mickey Walsh that’s missing… [laughs] I could talk about many players from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Today, the national team no longer has players at the level of an FC Porto, Liverpool, or Manchester United. They’re missing a Robbie Keane, a Roy Keane, or a Liam Brady, who played for the big clubs in Italy. Back then, any English club had two or three Irishmen in their squad,” he recalled.

Asked about the footballers who stand out the most nowadays, Walsh pointed out a few names to watch:

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“I like the goalkeeper Kelleher, who left Liverpool for Brentford, where the center-back Nathan Collins is also playing. And there’s the young forward Evan Ferguson, who made a big impression at Brighton and has now been loaned to Roma. He started very well, but it seems they stopped believing in him. Still, he’s at a giant club like Roma.”

As for Portugal, the former Irish international expressed admiration for the quality of Portuguese footballers:

“There are great players in the Portuguese national team, especially those who play in England… and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo. I also really like Diogo Costa, especially since he’s from FC Porto.”

Speaking about the club that made him famous, Walsh did not hide his excitement about the recent progress of the Dragons:

“It’s been a nice surprise! I still talk to André Villas-Boas, he’s a great friend. My brother was a scout for Chelsea, and André worked there with Mourinho. We spent a lot of time together, he even stayed at my house. Even today, when I send him a message, he replies. He’s invited me several times to watch games.”

A nostalgic and affectionate testimony from a legend who continues to follow FC Porto and Portuguese football with attention and affection.

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