Villas-Boas honours Pinto da Costa: “We’ll fight for integrity” | OneFootball

André Villas-Boas presented the Diamond Rosettes to the members who celebrated 75 years of connection to FC Porto, in a ceremony at the VIP Tribune of Estádio do Dragão, where he delivered an emotional speech focused not only on the past but especially on the future of the club.

“FC Porto is a living affirmation of identity, will, and belonging. We are Porto anywhere in the world. Today, we remember with longing and gratitude the figures who paved the way for our club. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the Eternal President who made FC Porto a global powerhouse. Jorge Costa, a symbol of grit and determination that embodies the essence of being a Dragon,” he began.

“Joining them are names like José Maria Pedroto, Artur Jorge, Fernando Gomes, Lima Pereira, Rui Filipe, Pavão, Alfredo Quintana, Cesário Bonito, and of course, our founders Monteiro da Costa, Nicolau de Almeida, and many other presidents, leaders, and athletes, many of whom are present here, who by example and dedication to this club are references of Porto spirit. Their memory lives in our achievements and motivates our path towards a future of glory,” he continued.

“Let us honor their legacy with heartfelt applause and with the responsibility to extend their example, the example of all those who gave FC Porto the best of themselves. The future demands ambition, work, and unity. We will fight for sportsmanship, for fair rules, for a mystique that feeds on the ability to dream and conquer. Today, the combativeness is visible in our team and is a lever for a new era of victories and growth. We want to continue leading with passion, projecting our pride around the world,” he concluded.

“FC Porto is the only destination for children and grandchildren”

To close, André Villas-Boas stated that FC Porto is very much ‘alive’ and thriving, as it “breathes a mystique that others only yearn for”: “A distinct club, made of race and passion, a faithful representative of its people. A mystique that comes from a culture of demand and work that has no comparison with others. Principles and values forged over time by members who demand that FC Porto always enters the field fighting for the ideals it represents.”

“It is precisely there that those who have remained faithful to their club throughout their lives come in, who have seen it grow and be reborn, who have helped in its affirmation and propagation of its good name, and who within their own family have made FC Porto a culture and the only destination for their children and grandchildren,” he reflected.

“May this anniversary be another moment of affirmation of an FC Porto that never gives up, never settles, and is ready, as always, to win once more. Long live the members of FC Porto, blessings to the Diamond Rosette members present here, and long live our FC Porto,” he concluded.

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