Rafael Lara: “It was a surprise invitation” | OneFootball

Rafael Lara was announced this Wednesday as the new player for FC Porto’s futsal team. The winger joins Cardinal, Tiaguinho, Tiago Correia, Samuel Silva, Tiago Velho, Leandro Silva and Ricardo Costa, the other signings already confirmed by the club, which will compete in the third national tier.

At 27, the Brazilian was playing for Modicus, the club for which he made 53 appearances and scored 31 goals over two seasons. His résumé also includes spells at Futsal Azeméis, Viseu 2001, Italy’s Audace Monopoli, ABC Nelas and Ossela. The son of former futsal player Nando Lara, Rafael also came through FC Porto’s youth ranks.

“It was a surprising invitation. It was one of my dreams, and having the chance to receive this invitation… I didn’t even think twice. I will represent this club in the most genuine way and with all my determination. This was my dream and my family’s dream. I’m very grateful, because a lot of people would love to be lucky enough to receive this invitation,” he told the Dragons’ official media. “The objectives, first and foremost, are always collective ones, especially since I’m a Porto supporter. I’ll follow whatever is asked of me and try to raise this badge to the highest level as quickly as possible. I’ll be one more fan on the court. I’ve already had the privilege of carrying this weight, because when I was younger I even played for FC Porto. Having this opportunity again is a blessing, but it is also the result of a lot of hard work,” he stressed.

“I feel immense gratitude. FC Porto was the first club to open its doors to me in Portugal. It’s a club I’ve always followed, even while representing other teams. This club is and always will be in my heart. I feel very grateful for everything they have already done for me and for the way they helped me. Even during the time when I wasn’t playing here, FC Porto was always part of my life,” he concluded.

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