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

André Villas-Boas presented the Diamond Rosettes to members who celebrated 75 years of connection to FC Porto at the end of Saturday night, in a ceremony in the VIP Tribune of the Dragon Stadium, where he gave an emotional speech oriented not only to the past, but especially to 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 nostalgia and gratitude figures who have marked the path of our club. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the Eternal President who made FC Porto a global power. Jorge Costa, a symbol of grit and will that personifies 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, directors and athletes, many of them here present, who by their example and their giving back to this club are references of Portismo. Their memory lives in our deeds and achievements and motivates our path towards a future of glory," he continued.

"Let's honor their legacy with heartfelt applause and with the responsibility to prolong their example, the example of all those who gave their best to FC Porto. The future requires ambition, work, and unity. We will fight for sporting truth, 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 next era of victories and growth. We want to continue leading with passion, projecting our pride to the world," he completed.

"FC Porto is the only destination for children and grandchildren"

To conclude, André Villas-Boas stated that FC Porto is very much 'alive' and recommends itself, as it "breathes a mystique that others only aspire to": "A distinct club, made of race and passion, faithful representative of its people. A mystique that comes from a culture of demand and work that is unmatched by others. Principles and values forged over time by members who demand that FC Porto always enter the field fighting for the ideals it represents".

"It is precisely here that those who have remained faithful to their club for a lifetime come in, who have seen it grow and be reborn, who have helped it in its affirmation and propagation of the good name and who within their own family have made FC Porto 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 again. Long live the members of FC Porto, bless the Diamond Rosette associates 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.