Arouca is going through a significant moment with the departure of its captain, David Simão. The 35-year-old midfielder announced his exit on social media, expressing an emotional message about the end of his second stint with the club. Simão, who played for Arouca from 2013 to 2016 and returned in January 2022, stated that he leaves with his head held high, acknowledging his effort and dedication over the years. His message resonated among colleagues and friends, who quickly expressed their support on social media. João Cancelo, right-back for Barcelona, highlighted the difficulty of dealing with the departure of genuine people in football, commenting: "Unfortunately in football, genuine and true people are often the villains of the story." Other players, such as Cláudio Ramos from FC Porto, also praised Simão, calling him "a gentleman" of Portuguese football. David Simão's departure marks a new phase for Arouca, which is now seeking new paths and opportunities for the future.