Mike Walsh: I like Diogo Costa, especially as he’s from FC Porto

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Portal dos Dragões

·11 de octubre de 2025

Mike Walsh: I like Diogo Costa, especially as he’s from FC Porto

The former Irish striker Mickey Walsh, who made a name for himself wearing the FC Porto shirt, believes that the current Ireland national team has lost the strength and prestige it once had.

“It’s not just a Mickey Walsh that’s missing… [laughs] I could mention many 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 these days, Walsh pointed out a few names to watch:

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“I like the goalkeeper Kelleher, who left Liverpool for Brentford, where the centre-back Nathan Collins is also playing. And there’s the young striker 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. Even so, 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 because 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 were together many times, he even stayed at my house. Even today, when I send him a message, he replies. He’s already 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.