Pinto da Costa announces transfer of David Carmo and return to cycling

In front of around 150 people and with the company of António Oliveira and João Koehler, two of the new faces on Pinto da Costa’s list, the president began by pointing the finger at the alleged interests of one of the other candidates.

“When I saw that, in the presentation of the other candidate, there were people who do not want the good of FC Porto, who want it to do business, to have the television rights to our games, I decided to re-apply. When we had to put our television rights out to tender, that operator [ndr: NOS] offered 320M, the others [MEO] They offered 450M, it was easy to choose who gave more. They became enemies and found a candidate to recover the benefits. I’m not at FC Porto to benefit anyone, not even my family, I’m to serve you”, said Pinto da Costa, guaranteeing new blood for the next direction.

“It’s a renewed team, with people who love FC Porto, that’s why we have António Oliveira here, a great player and coach of the tri. João Koehler has been fantastic in helping FC Porto, without being anything at the club other than a partner. Nobody calculates what has helped us”, he highlighted, before giving something new when asked by a member whether he is considering bringing the cycling club back.

“Due to facts known to everyone, but only a few know the real reason – we won too much – we had to stop cycling. As soon as the problems are resolved and the truth is restored, we will return to cycling to win”, he assured, referring to the suspension of W52-FC Porto, due to doping cases.

Another of the topics in focus during the conversation was Sérgio Conceição, who ends his contract at the end of the season: “I can’t guarantee [que se vai manter até ao final do próximo mandato, em 2028], but I am convinced that it will continue. When I hired him I couldn’t guarantee that he would be there for four years and he’s been there for seven years. I want and hope it continues.”

Regarding the controversy related to the possible benefits given to the Super Dragões in the purchase of tickets, Pinto da Costa left a clear idea: “The Super Dragões have an agreement for x tickets per game, which they will not even collect from the ticket offices, they will collect them from the services of the club. The Super Dragons are never in line at the box office”, he guaranteed.