“To play here, you must represent the city and the North’s grit” | OneFootball

Tiago Velho joins FC Porto’s newly formed senior futsal team with his eyes fixed on the goal and a very clear sense of the responsibility that comes with the blue and white shirt. At 24, the goalkeeper says he is fulfilling a dream, is aiming to achieve collective goals, and wants to build a close relationship with the fans. Representing FC Porto, he believes, means bringing the city’s identity onto the court — and he made one guarantee: “that will never be lacking.”

At the presentation of a historic project for FC Porto’s senior futsal team, Tiago Velho appeared grateful, aware of the demands, and determined to help a team with great ambitions. For the goalkeeper, the pride of defending the Club goes hand in hand with the obligation to honor a shirt that, in his words, can only have first place as its destination.

The connection to FC Porto was the starting point. Long before joining the squad, the goalkeeper already felt a special bond with the Club, so this opportunity represents far more than just a simple step in his career.

“It’s a childhood dream. It’s a dream for any young person, especially someone from Porto, to be able to represent the most emblematic club in the city and the country,” he said. “It’s an honor and a privilege, so I’m very grateful to the coaching staff and the Board for making the invitation and for believing I had the ability to join this ambitious squad. We have very clear ambition and well-defined goals. I’m very grateful to have been chosen and to have the opportunity to represent this great club.”

The happiness of seeing his dream come true is matched by a strong sense of duty. Tiago Velho highlights the honor of representing FC Porto, but does not forget the demands or the ambition that must guide the new team’s path.

The goalkeeper’s story in futsal began in childhood, with his twin brother playing a decisive role. He chose his position early on and, unlike what usually happens, it was not the result of a later switch from outfield player to goalkeeper.

“I started very young, around six or seven years old. I admit I was dragged along by my twin brother, who always had a passion for playing football with his feet,” he explained. “We started in handball, but he ended up pulling me into futsal and, since then, I’ve always played and never stopped. I was always a goalkeeper, unlike what is normal. Normally, goalkeepers start out as outfield players and then, by chance, end up in goal. I only played outfield for the first 15 minutes, quickly realized I wanted to go in goal, and I’m very grateful for what futsal has given me up to this day.”

His account shows an almost immediate decision. Tiago Velho tried playing further forward for just a few minutes, but quickly understood that his place was between the posts, a position he has never left.

When describing his style, FC Porto’s new signing highlights his shot-stopping ability, speed, and reading of the game. Even so, he puts those qualities at the service of the team and recognizes the importance of players complementing one another.

“I’m a goalkeeper who is quite strong between the posts, very agile and quick, and I have a good reading of the game. More than my individual characteristics, I think about what I can bring to the group; I also have weaker points, and I hope my teammates can make up for them, just as I also want to make up for theirs,” he stressed. “What matters is that, all together, we can bring the Porto fans a lot of joy. For many years, the fans looked very positively on the creation of this team and, more than individual players, the main goal is to give our all to bring the Porto fans a lot of joy and to put futsal on the same level as the other sports, which is the level of excellence, the only place where FC Porto can be.”

What emerges from his remarks is the image of a player who prioritizes the collective and group cohesion. The bar has been set at the highest level, in line with the expectations Porto fans have created around the birth of this futsal team.

The identity of an FC Porto player was another topic addressed. For Tiago Velho, the intensity, passion, and commitment that characterize futsal are directly linked to the way the Club should be represented.

“There are several characteristics that define an FC Porto player and that also reflect what a futsal player is. Futsal is a sport of passion, intensity, grit, and commitment — characteristics that also define what it means to be a Porto player,” he said. “To play here, you have to represent the city and the people of the North, their grit, commitment, and dedication. Porto fans can be sure that this team will never lack that. We all know that FC Porto has to be at the top, and the idea must always be to win and claim titles. That is our ambition and what it takes to wear this shirt.”

More than explaining a way of playing, the goalkeeper made a commitment in terms of attitude. The desire to win and claim titles is tied to commitment and the pride of representing a city, a region, and a Club with a very distinct identity.

In his message to the fans, Tiago Velho called for their presence in the stands and their support for the team. The goalkeeper believes that the bond between Porto fans and the players can turn the arena into an important source of energy for FC Porto.

“Our main message is: come and support us. When FC Porto comes together, when the fans join the team, they motivate the players and create a synergy,” he assured. “When we are all in tune, FC Porto is unbeatable, a force of nature, so come along, because you can count on our total commitment. I think you will enjoy watching futsal in this arena. You will realize how pleasurable it is for us to play in this arena, and to see it full of Porto fans cheering us on will be fantastic. It’s a dream I’m going to fulfill, just like my teammates. I never imagined playing in this arena. I used to come here to watch other sports, because futsal didn’t exist, and now being able to step onto this court and see the stands full of Porto fans cheering us on will be fantastic. We will give everything to put FC Porto where it deserves to be.”

Tiago Velho’s first speech is marked by three central ideas: the team’s total commitment, the fans’ constant support, and unreserved ambition. FC Porto’s senior futsal team takes its first steps with the clear intention of reaching the level of excellence which, in the goalkeeper’s view, is where the Club belongs.

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