Pepê on his new deal: “It was a dream, I hope to live up to it from now on” | OneFootball

The player renewed his contract with the Club and, visibly moved, commented:

“It was a dream, as I said at the start of the season. I feel very happy and fulfilled to be able to renew with this historic Club, where I have had incredible moments. I hope to live up to expectations from here on. I am very happy with the trust that the Club, the president, and everyone has in my work. I know I didn't have a good season, so being able to renew this contract and receive this vote of confidence motivates me even more to do what I have been doing since the start of this season, which is to give back on the field.”

Regarding the two goals this season, he expressed confidence in the continuity of his performance:

“I believe so, if I continue to do what I have been doing and if I continue to be the cheerful, fun, and spontaneous Pepê who is very dedicated to work. I believe I can reap the rewards later on.”

As for the atmosphere in the FC Porto squad, he highlighted the positive evolution since the coach's arrival:

“It's very positive. We see the difference in the Club since mister Farioli arrived, the demand, the intensity, and even the new players who have arrived are already familiar with the group's unity. This is fundamental for us to continue doing great work.”

Referring to mister Francesco Farioli, he praised the coach's demands and the confidence placed in him:

“It's been incredible, mister Farioli has very high demands, but that's very good because it makes us always train at our limit and at our best. We are at FC Porto and we need to always be at our best. Farioli's praise? I was happy because I wasn't coming from a good season and had personal problems that influenced who I was, on and off the field. I needed to become the Pepê I always was, cheerful, playful, and fun. I'm happy with the confidence he has in my work.”

About the young William Gomes, he spoke of his role as a mentor and their friendship:

“He's still a kid and I try to help him as much as possible, he just arrived at the Club. I know how difficult it is to leave South American football and come to Europe. I know it's hard at first and I try to help him in everything. This friendship is good for me and for him. I had already agreed with him before the game and told him: ‘You know, if you score a goal, cover your eye and point at me.’ I was very happy because he is a very hardworking and dedicated kid. When he has an opportunity, he seizes it.”

Regarding the support from the fans, he highlighted the confidence they have in the team:

“We see and feel the confidence the fans have in our work. We know their demands, but we work to meet them and we always see the support in the stands, whether at the Dragão or away.”

Approaching 200 games for FC Porto, he described the milestone as a source of pride:

“It's a milestone with a lot of history. Not even in my best dreams could I imagine reaching 200 games for FC Porto, it's something very gratifying. For me, it's an honor and a pride to play 200 games for such a historic Club as FC Porto. It's another incentive to continue doing my best on the field.”

Regarding the club's DNA, he mentioned the grit and ambition that influenced him:

“The grit, the ambition to always want to win is something that made me like this too since I arrived at FC Porto. It's something that moves me.”

As for winning the national championship, he stated the importance of that title:

“I've won everything here, but of course winning the championship is special. The way it's celebrated is unique and I hope to win more times because it's a very special moment for us and for the fans.”

About the Brazilian national team, he expressed his desire to represent the country again:

“I've been there once and I hope to return, it's a childhood dream. I know I need to be at my best here at FC Porto and, if so, it's possible.”

Referring to his personal development, he spoke of gaining maturity and experience:

“Maturity, experience has changed a lot, the way of seeing many things, especially the game. I'm happy with the path I've taken and for being in such a special moment in my career.”

Upon becoming a father, he stated he assumes more responsibility:

“Now I have to be much more responsible, on and off the field.”

To conclude, he left a message of thanks to the fans for their continuous support:

“We are very happy with all the support and we know that from the stands we have never lacked encouragement so far. This is very important for us to continue working and giving our best to reap the rewards later on.”

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