"It's been a dream for many years, a promise for four years," declared Pinto da Costa this morning as he presented the FC Porto Academy project, expected to cost around 40 million euros. Amid criticisms of Villas-Boas, the ceremony also "confirmed" Fernando Gomes's departure from the club's administrative board.

The event took place this Wednesday morning at Estádio do Dragão, but signs of a new era were already visible, especially for those traveling on the A3 from Braga to Porto. In Maia, on the land that sparked controversy last week, a massive billboard announced, "Here rises the FC Porto Academy," with construction equipment ready to commence work, signaling the involvement of ABB, the construction partner in this project. With this backdrop, Pinto da Costa, from the stadium's VIP stand, seized the moment to respond to comments made by rival André Villas-Boas.

“This academy is a long-held dream, a promise made four years ago. It’s a pleasure to have you here witnessing the unveiling of this wonderful utopia and this string of lies,” began the FC Porto president, following an introduction by architect Manuel Salgado. "You see it before you, it's visible, and it's captivating us all. Four years ago, at the start of my term, I promised to build an academy. I made it a condition for my candidacy that the academy would begin. Three conditions were set: reaching the Champions League Round of 16, moving out of negative equity, and starting the academy. Thus, this academy is both a long-held dream and a four-year promise," he added in response.

"Before I make further remarks, I want to highlight two individuals. First, architect Manuel Salgado, who has dedicated himself to this project not only professionally but with heart, as we are in the most beautiful stadium in Portugal, his creation, which he strongly identified with, making it even more a part of the dragon spirit. The second is Mr. Gaspar Borges. I've known him for decades. I have always had the utmost respect and best impression of him. When we needed someone to collaborate with us, he was fully committed, heart and soul, to drive this forward. His dedication was exceptional, his vision brought us to a successful outcome. Up until about three weeks ago, give or take, we always discussed things verbally, as men of their word do. Always agreed, noted things down, and moved forward," Pinto da Costa said, also mentioning Fernando Gomes, the club's administrative board member who is stepping down after a decade.