Porto’s refusal to give up Rayo Vallecano gives strength to central Ze Pedro

“I do my daily job to be in the starting lineup and then coach Vitor Bruno has to choose and understand if I’m an asset or not. There were offers to leave, but the club preferred that he continue. Now I want to repay this vote of confidence with games, my performances and help the club,” said Ze Pedro, a central defender still seeking confirmation after being recruited by Porto’s B team, on Thursday.

After a successful performance in the Portuguese Cup (the Dragons’ 2-1 triumph over Sporting), Zé Pedro was praised for having nullified the goalscorer Dioceres. “When we represent a club like Porto, we are tested every day. That’s why we want to be here too, and that’s why we work every day, for these games, because everyone wants to play these big games, that’s all,” he added.

The 27-year-old centre-back, who is playing his first pre-season game for Porto’s first team, was positive about his training camp in Austria. “It’s been a really good few days. It’s fantastic to be here, a dream come true. Without a doubt, it’s something I’m experiencing very intensely. Everyone is working really well and I hope it continues like that,” he concluded.

Estaquio advised to leave the dragons
“One of the things I talked to Eustaquio about was, ‘OK, Porto is a great club, but you have to find a way to be the first option. You have to play.’ He agreed. He loves playing at Porto, but I think he’s doing everything he can to keep his career going,” said Canada coach Jesse Marsh, a North American. Eustaquio earned a Copa America and may be leaving.

Octavio and Carmo