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 with FC Porto, at a ceremony in the VIP Stand of the Dragon Stadium on Saturday night, where he delivered an emotional speech focused not only on the past, but especially on 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 so many other presidents, directors and athletes, many of them here present, who by example and by giving back to this club are references of Porto's spirit. 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 of prolonging their example, the example of all those who gave the best of themselves to FC Porto. The future demands ambition, work, and unity. We will fight for sports 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 concluded.

"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, a 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 enters the field fighting for the ideals it represents."

"This is precisely where those who have remained faithful to their club for a lifetime come in, who have seen it grow and be reborn, who have helped 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.