Martim Fernandes: “A huge honour and a real privilege” | OneFootball

Recovering from an injury to the external collateral ligament of his left knee, Martim Fernandes had his importance to the squad confirmed with a contract renewal until 2030. The player expressed his gratitude.

"I want to thank and say that renewing with my heart's club, which I've supported since I was born, is a huge pride knowing that they trust me to represent FC Porto. I am very happy. They trust me in this positive phase that FC Porto is going through. We are all following the same path with the same spirit, you can feel it on and off the field. We all want to do our best for the club and bring joy to the fans," he said.

At 17, he made his debut for the main team in a Portuguese Cup tie against Vilar de Perdizes, and the first title was another high point of his trajectory. "At the time I was on the bench, I didn't even think I would warm up. The coach [Sérgio Conceição] encouraged me, told me to have confidence and play my game without being influenced by others because, when you are younger, you tend to follow others' instructions, but I think I gave a good response."

On May 26, 2024, he lifted his first trophy, the Portuguese Cup: "It was my first title at FC Porto. At the time, I didn't know what that feeling was. Having all the fans there at Jamor was incredible, a unique moment in my career." An experience that exceeded his expectations. "I never thought I would reach such a high level as the one I am at now. It wasn't my goal at the time, I played football with my friends out of passion. I've always loved playing football since I was little, but I never thought I would reach this level," revealed the defender, who did not forget to mention Jorge Costa, the late director of professional football: "I feel privileged to, in the academy, have been able to receive the mystique of this club. We had João Pinto and more recently Jorge Costa, who unfortunately passed away and was an incredible man. I loved Jorge Costa, he was always with us at Olival. He was always a cheerful, fun person, always saw the positive side of things. He had his way of being, spoke loudly, in the Porto style. It's always a privilege to have these people by our side."

The start of the season is "being incredible," rejoices Martim, who has a clear goal for the immediate future of his career: "Everyone says we have a united group and that we are with more joy on the field. The goal I have for the near future is to be National Champion for FC Porto. I have others for later, but my main goal is that."

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