Sérgio Conceição publicly congratulated FC Porto on its 133rd anniversary. The most decorated coach in the club's history used Instagram Stories on Monday to share the message 'Parabéns FC Porto', accompanying the official post from the club founded in 1893 by António Nicolau d’Almeida.
The gesture carries particular weight following the controversy at the end of last season, when Conceição did not immediately congratulate the club on the title win. The manager, who left the Dragon's bench in the summer of 2024 with 11 trophies won, later clarified his position. 'Sometimes completely wrong, false narratives are created. FC Porto's title was a deserved title for the structure and its coach,' said Conceição. He explained that at the time, 'due to the number of celebrations, the fans wouldn't care about what I was going to say, because there was a lot of partying after the title.'
Umbilical bond remains
Despite his departure and a change in the boardroom, institutional respect and mutual consideration remain. Conceição described his connection to the fans as 'umbilical', a bond that the anniversary gesture seems to confirm. The club's 133rd-anniversary celebrations took place at the Estádio do Dragão, led by president André Villas-Boas, and included the traditional flag-raising, floral tributes and a visit to the Mausoleum.
FC Porto's current moment, leading the Primeira Liga with 21 points from seven games, gives special context to this greeting from a historical figure. The team has four wins in its last five matches, including a 3-1 triumph over Benfica on 20 September, and now prepares to visit Marítimo on 10 October. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and the complete player list in the squad section. Conceição's message serves as a sign that the heroes of past triumphs continue to keep the dragon's flame alive, while the current team builds its own path at the top of the table.
More detail at Record PT
