Mangala: “Sorry, Estoril friends, but I want FC Porto crowned” | OneFootball

Eliaquim Mangala is in Bolivia, where he plays for the modest Oriente Petrolero, but the French centre-back’s career, now aged 35, has included some major stages, trophies, and two spells in Portuguese football: FC Porto and Estoril. A two-time Portuguese champion with the Dragons in 2011/12 and 2012/13, he later moved on to clubs such as Manchester City, Everton and Valencia, returning to Portugal in 2023, before leaving last year after two seasons with the Canaries.

In Amoreira, he admits he built and left behind strong bonds, but for Sunday’s meeting between the Canaries and the Dragons, his wish is clear: a blue-and-white victory, with the title in sight. “To be honest, I want FC Porto to be champions. I know I have a lot of friends at Estoril and I hope they forgive me, but I want FC Porto to be champions. So I’m leaning more towards an FC Porto win. I hope Estoril play a good game, but this year I want to see FC Porto become champions,” the experienced French international began by telling Record newspaper.

Mangala believes the match is “decisive” for Francesco Farioli’s team, “obliged” to win on a ground that, he recalls, has historically tended to be difficult for the Dragons. “It’s a more important game for FC Porto than for Estoril, because it’s going to be decisive. History says it’s always a difficult challenge, especially away from home, for FC Porto, but now there’s extra pressure. However, anyone who wants to be champions has to win anywhere. FC Porto have everything in their hands and want to win. Estoril will play with motivation, they want a good result and to put in a good performance. It’s going to be a hard-fought game and FC Porto have to be at their best. If they want to be champions, they have to win this game. It’s ‘yes or yes’,” he assessed.

On Porto’s chronic difficulties in Amoreira, Mangala recalled the 2023/24 season, in which the Canaries played FC Porto four times and won three. “Even in my time at FC Porto, I lost at Estoril. There’s a history there that isn’t just from today. Last year FC Porto won at Estoril, but it’s true that 23/24 was incredible in that respect. I don’t know whether Benfica or Sporting have ever beaten FC Porto three times in the same season. It’s something we will always remember, and in Portugal too. We made history and it’s always a great memory,” he noted.

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