Cardoso Varela regretted leaving and moved André Villas-Boas | OneFootball

Cardoso Varela is returning to FC Porto, two years after being at the center of a huge controversy when he left the club at the age of 15 to join Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. It was with the Dragons that the Portugal under-17 international began his development.

The 17-year-old winger’s return to the blue-and-white club came as a result of a frank conversation with André Villas-Boas. Cardoso Varela admitted that he regrets his early departure and the contentious way in which it happened, acknowledging that he did not have the right attitude toward the club. The player apologized to the Porto president, who appreciated his sincerity and warmly welcomed the youngster’s desire to return.

The SAD president believes that the player, then only 15, was badly advised by his former agent, Andy Bara, and ended up believing promises that did not match reality. For that reason, he does not place most of the blame for what happened on the player.

In his conversation with Villas-Boas, Cardoso Varela also reportedly expressed his great happiness at wearing the Dragons shirt again. The winger assured him that he will give everything for FC Porto, with his main goals being to establish himself at the club, shine with the Dragons on his chest, and win over the fans.

Initially, the Angola-born player will join the B team squad, coached by João Brandão. Even so, he will be closely monitored by Francesco Farioli, who may occasionally call him up to work with the first team.

For now, Cardoso Varela will sign a three-year contract with FC Porto, the maximum period allowed for a player of his age. On October 29, when he turns 18 and comes of age, he is expected to sign a new long-term deal, protected by a multimillion release clause, in an attempt to ward off any potential interest from major European clubs.

After successfully completing the usual medical examinations, the winger is expected to join the blue-and-white B team as early as next week, before formally signing the new contract.

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