António Salvador, president of Sporting Clube de Braga, made a strong statement this Friday following the painful elimination of the team in the semi-finals of the Europa League. Despite the 3-1 defeat in Freiburg, which saw Carlos Vicens’ side knocked out, Salvador did not hide his pride in the impressive European journey of the Minho club, which began in the second qualifying round and placed Braga among the giants of continental football.
“Pride! This is the feeling that should prevail at the end of an exciting European season (which started in Bulgaria on July 24 of last year), which brought us so much joy and left countless moments for our collective memory,” the leader of the arsenalistas began by stating on social media, in a message filled with emotion and determination.
Salvador highlighted the historic achievement of the team, noting that no team that started so early in the competition had ever reached such heights: “Never has a team that had to start from the 2nd qualifying round gone this far in the competition, and that says a lot about the value of our group, but also about the ambition of our club. It was not by chance that we made it this far, but rather through clear goals and collective commitments.” He left no doubts about the ultimate objective: “It was in the Netherlands, at the end of the last league phase match, that we all embraced the goal of only stopping in Istanbul. It was only right that it had been this way…”
Recalling his commitment to Braga, which he has led for 23 years, Salvador reiterated the European ambition he has always pursued: “When I accepted the challenge of leading Braga 23 years ago, I also took on the goal of giving this club a European dimension. It is with pride that I see this status once again reinforced. We finished this season just outside the top 30 of the UEFA ranking, achieving a goal I set a year ago when I was re-elected as president of the club.”
The merit of the coaching staff and players did not go unnoticed: “I am proud of the working group. The coach, coaching staff, squad, and staff deserve our recognition and are the foundation upon which we want and will continue to build our ambitions. Coach Carlos Vicens has enormous merit in this journey, as he was the first to embody the belief and conviction that it was possible.”
Finally, Salvador did not forget the fundamental role of the members and fans, who have followed Braga throughout Europe: “I am proud of Braga’s members and fans. They have been with us throughout this journey, sacrificing their family and professional lives to be with the club and the team. They were amazing, in Braga and across Europe, and for that, they deserve my gratitude and recognition.”
And the final promise that will excite the club’s supporters: “This time, you won’t have to wait another 15 years to see Braga in a European semi-final again. I feel, and I will do everything to ensure that we are once again in this position soon, so that we can finally reach the most desired match. Thank you all!”
António Salvador’s message is clear: Braga is alive and more ambitious than ever on the European stage. The Minho club, which is steadily making its way into the top 30 of the UEFA ranking, wants more, much more – and it will not stop until it achieves what everyone dreams of. The journey has been epic, the pride is immense, and the future promises to be even brighter for Sporting Clube de Braga.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
