FC Porto’s goalkeeper recalls Jorge Costa and Diogo Jota, highlights the team’s daily work, and speaks of a mix of sadness and happiness during the season.
Diogo Costa, in statements to SportTV, after FC Porto’s 1-0 victory over Alverca in the 32nd round of the League:
To take FC Porto to its rightful place.
I admit that before the game I had many memories of this season. Of all the difficulties we went through this season. What we suffered as well. It’s a huge source of pride for this team, a lot of pride for the staff, and we are grateful for all the learning. We did the most important thing, which is to take FC Porto back to its rightful place.
The team’s daily work and demands.
It’s a very united and young group. We have our core players, it was a very positive mix. This unity gave us the strength to face the difficulties. Above all, it’s the daily work, the dedication and the high standards. That was our best weapon. Our playing style represents exactly that: unity and hard work.
A mixture of sadness and happiness
I want to thank all the club staff, who often go unnoticed. I want to thank the president for all the support they have given us and will continue to give us. There is so much to say and remember. Our Jorge, Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. It’s a mixture of sadness and happiness. I woke up very emotional today and it’s as if I knew something good was going to happen because we deserve it. We are different. We are a different people. It’s true that we are grumpy but we are united at the same time, we welcome everyone.
FC Porto has never won anything without suffering…
“We’ve always had the strength that comes from suffering. I’ve always conveyed the message that this club has never won anything without suffering; you have to suffer for the teammate who’s by your side. That’s what we did. We continued to work in silence. We believed strongly in the manager’s ideas; I always put the team before myself, and that’s the message I wanted to convey to everyone. Our unity and competence in always working to the maximum was our strength. United, we managed to maintain confidence, and that’s what I asked for. I asked the fans to continue believing in us. We must give great importance to the daily work.
Recognition from rivals
We were grateful that our rivals recognized our competence and quality. This year we all felt that FC Porto was different. Respect for everyone, respect for the League, and I am very grateful to our rivals.