André Castro


André Castro Pereira, known as Castro, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder.

Club career

Born in Gondomar, Porto District, Castro joined FC Porto's youth system at the age of 11, from hometown's Gondomar SC. In 2007, he helped the team conquer the junior championship.
On 2 February 2008, Castro made his first-team – and Primeira Liga – debut, coming on as a substitute for Paulo Assunção for the last 11 minutes of a 4–0 home win against U.D. Leiria. He appeared in a further two official matches during the season.
In the following two years, Castro played with S.C. Olhanense on loan, helping the Algarve side returned to the top level after an absence of more than 30 years in his debut campaign and being named the country's Best Young Player in his second, where he scored six goals in 28 games as his team retained their status.
Castro returned to Porto for 2010–11, but was soon deemed surplus to requirements by new manager André Villas-Boas as practically all Portuguese players. In January 2011, after having amassed 106 minutes in six competitive matches, he was loaned to Sporting de Gijón in Spain, making his La Liga debut on the 23rd by playing one minute in a 1–0 home victory over Atlético Madrid.
Castro managed to feature regularly for the Asturians during his spell, starting 11 times and scoring against RCD Mallorca and Getafe CF, in an eventual escape from relegation.
In mid-August 2011, another loan spell was arranged between Porto and Gijón. He started in 26 of his 29 league appearances and added another two goals, but his team dropped down a division.
On 14 August 2013, Castro joined Turkish Süper Lig club Kasımpaşa S.K. on loan. The move was made permanent for the 2014–15 season.

International career

Castro earned 57 caps for Portugal all youth levels combined, including 19 for the under-21s. On 5 August 2011, he was called by the full side for a friendly with Luxembourg, but remained an unused substitute.

Career statistics

Honours

Porto
Olhanense