Porto defender Felipe wants to see the club return to the glory days by leading them to their first UEFA Champions League title since Jose Mourinho’s 2004 triumph.
The 27-year-old arrived in Portugal from Brazilian champions Corinthians this past summer after four trophy-laden years with the Sao-Paulo based giants, including a national league title and a FIFA Club World Cup victory in 2012.
And Felipe says he can’t wait to make his debut in Europe's leading club competition.
“In Brazil we talk a lot about Champions League and Porto this year will participate. I hope that we are champions.”” he said the New Balance launch to celebrate the release of this season’s new Porto kit.
“I have a lot of expectations. I want to be a champion here, because I know that the club has not been champions for a long time. This is certainly my biggest goal. I want to help the team.”
Felipe Augusto is hoping to join a long list of Brazilians who have made great strides in the European game after finding fame with the Portuguese giants and cited former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas among a number of players who inspired him to join Porto.
“Porto is a very well-known team in Brazil too. We follow the Portuguese Championship and I think that was one of the reasons I chose to play here,” he said.
“For me they are an inspiration. We know the importance of Casillas and other players who have come through the club like Hulk. They will be a great reference for me. Now I want to make my history here."
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- Goal