Arrived in Portugal to play for Sporting, but found an "incomparable club" at FC Porto

A BOLA sat down with Domingos Andrade. The midfielder, under contract with the Dragons until 2028, discussed his positive season with the B team and his ambition to reach new heights.

— How do you assess the season?

— It was a positive season for the team. We managed to overcome the early adversities and secure a fifth-place finish. Personally, it was also an incredible season; I significantly improved my game and solidified my place in the B team.

— On a personal level, was this your best season?

— You could say so, in terms of performances. Plus, I managed to score a goal, unlike last season. On top of that, it was a very important goal for the team, because we had never beaten Chaves before, and we won at their home ground [Matchday 11 of Liga 2]. I was named man of the match.

— With this season concluded, what are your plans for the future?

— Like any player in the B team, the goal is to reach the senior squad and the top league. I want to make that leap, whether it's with the first team or another club in the Portuguese championship. That's my ambition.

— You still have two years left on your contract. Is leaving FC Porto an option?

— I'm happy at FC Porto and have a great love for the club. It will depend on what the club's management decides is best for my future. Whatever the decision, I will embrace it and continue to work hard.

— Would you consider a move outside of Portugal?

— It will largely depend on the project FC Porto has for me. After that, we'll decide what my future holds.

— In which other leagues do you see yourself playing in the future?

— The Premier League [England] and the Bundesliga [Germany]. Those are leagues I really admire.

— And, beyond that, what are your main career goals?

— To secure my place in the national team. I'm currently working to establish myself, and I increasingly want to be a prominent presence in the national team and, consequently, one of Angola's influential players.

— Your friend David Nzanza (Leça player) told me you have a good relationship with ninjas…

— Yes, it's our celebration [laughs]. We like anime, and I, in particular, enjoy observing how ninjas operate. They act discreetly but are always present, always attentive, and I believe I reflect that in my game. It might seem like I'm not in the thick of it, but those who understand recognize the importance I bring to the field.

— How is your relationship?

— Nzanza is like a brother to me; we grew up together, came through the academy at Interclube, so we have an incredible off-field relationship. He's a brother that football gave me, and I'll keep him for life.

— At Interclube, you both played in the first division at a very young age...

— Yes, yes…

— How do you view the current state of Angolan football?

— I believe Angolan football has grown significantly, because now we're seeing several Angolan players coming not only to Portugal but also to other parts of the world. And that's good, because it's a sign that the national team will be very competitive in the future, and that we, as players, need to work even harder, because new talents are always emerging and pursuing the dream of every player, which is to represent their country.

— You left Interclube for Sporting. How did that happen?

— It was after the U-17 World Cup. The opportunity arose to go to Sporting [in 2021], where I spent two seasons. Then I spent a year at Felgueiras, and in 2024, I joined FC Porto.

— How was that move to the Dragons?

— It was incredible, because it was something I never expected. When a club of FC Porto's stature, with its history and mystique, contacts you, you can't say no, because it's a privilege. And those within the club know it. When you join FC Porto, you start to love FC Porto, because the culture there is different. Coming here was the best thing I've done so far. I'm very grateful for everything the Porto management and my teammates have done for me. They helped me not only to be a better person but also a better player. That's why I have an unconditional love for FC Porto today. It gave me everything.

— Is this culture you speak of different from what you found at Sporting?

— FC Porto is FC Porto. There's no comparison.