André Villas-Boas took office this Tuesday as the 32nd president in the history of FC Porto. In the long speech he gave at the Dragão Stadium, the new leader of the blue and whites stressed that today marks the "beginning of a new era in the history of our club", before listing the "three fundamental pillars" of his presidency.

"In this same room in the Dragão, at 32 years old, I became a coach at FC Porto. A magical year. Now, I take office as the 32nd president of FC Porto. I greet all members of the current and past governing bodies. All coaches and team captains, players, athletes, staff and employees, as well as all members, fans and supporters of FC Porto present here. Allow me to also greet all those who are with us in spirit, who have dignified this club with effort, helping it to become what it is today, a fundamental institution for the growth of the city, the region and the country. A standard-bearer of its values and culture. Being a Porto fan is a state of mind, and it is in this unity that we meet here. Today, we begin a new era in the history of our club. An era that will have my commitment and all those who are part of my team, to elevate the good name of FC Porto, marked by the sense of demand of all Porto fans and respecting the importance of its record", began by saying the new president of FC Porto.

"Until a few days ago, we lived an intense electoral cycle, marked by the vitality and desire of the members to make a historic change in the direction of FC Porto. In this desire, we know that there are three fundamental pillars, which will force this new direction to rise to the occasion and live up to the trust placed in us. The first, that of an FC Porto of the associates, respectful of its genesis, representative of the emotion and love of each one for this institution. A club of the members and for the members. The second, of a winning FC Porto, indomitable, immortal, feared by its opponents, which plays in each field and modality to win. The third, that of a modern, bold, organized, structured, transparent and financially sustainable FC Porto", he continued.

"We all love FC Porto, we all want it in the place where it deserves to be, the first, always. Last week, one of the most beautiful pages in the life of our club's membership was stamped in gold letters. The electoral act took place in an exemplary way. This was only possible thanks to the exemplary dedication of the employees and collaborators of FC Porto, as well as the presidents and delegates, and the contagious effort of many people who worked hard, so that it would take place in an orderly and transparent way. I salute the irreproachable leadership of the president of the General Assembly, Lourenço Pinto, in this solemn and democratic act, which will be honored. History was made, so on behalf of all Porto fans, I thank you for your dedication, commitment and courage. Thanks to him, I take office today as the 32nd president of FC Porto. I assume this position legitimized by broad support. In this electoral act, more than 27,000 members voted, the highest vote ever in the history of the club. From this act, there remained the strength and certainty that there is only one FC Porto, the one that defines us and that we defend. We will fight for this club, together, on the same side of the barrier. I feel honored and proud that you have trusted and chosen our project for the club. From you, I expect demand and the desire to win. From me, from my entire team, I guarantee you commitment, dedication and love for FC Porto. We are here, only and solely to serve it, with body and soul, with work, with a vision that will transport us to modernity, knowing that the path will be hard, but that, with your support, we will triumph", he said.

Also Read: Embrace between Pinto da Costa and Villas-Boas marks taking office (Portuguese version)