Alverca manager Custódio Castro has firmly rejected speculation linking him with a move away from the club, stating that “no amount of money” is worth more than the recognition he receives from the fans.
Speaking after Alverca’s 1-1 draw with Estoril at the Municipal Stadium in Vila Franca de Xira, Castro addressed the rumours directly. “It’s nonsense,” he said. “Journalists often say ‘I have it from a reliable source’ — that’s rubbish. You need to check your sources. I’m very straightforward, and there is nothing with other clubs. Recognition is very important. No amount of money in the offer made to me compares to the fans’ acknowledgment at the end of the match. Next season is next season.”
Reflecting on the match, Castro noted: “We had a good first half. Estoril are a difficult team because of the way they overlap lines and their technical quality. We started the second half poorly, conceding a very soft goal. We were limited because some players featured for the B team. Ikker made his debut today, which made us very happy. It was great to see the fans’ appreciation—there are values higher than financial ones. We all worked hard to keep Alverca in the first league.”
“Physically, we weren’t as strong. We had to manage Diogo Spencer within his physical limits, and that had some impact on the team. That’s what we lacked. Playing against teams like Estoril demands a lot of energy.”
Castro also confirmed he will not step down before the final match: “This won’t be my last game. We still have Famalicão.”