The striker spent months recovering from a serious knee injury, enduring the uncertainty and frustration of a rehabilitation process that forced him to step away from the game.
His return came earlier than initially expected and in a match that carried particular significance for Porto, with the reception from the supporters making the occasion even more memorable.
“The truth is that it has been a very long journey. Thank God it has come to an end,” Samu told Radio MARCA.
“The way the stadium welcomed me was incredible, something I will never forget.”
Samu had not originally been expected to return in that match, but his progress during training persuaded the medical team that he was ready to play.
“I wasn't expected to return for that match, but in the end everything went as I had dreamed,” he said. “I was feeling very good in training and, after speaking with the doctors, they were able to clear me. Everything was fine.”
The recovery had tested him mentally as well as physically. Samu admitted there were days when simply getting out of bed was difficult, with his emotions changing depending on how his body responded.
“There are days when you don't even feel like getting out of bed. There are days when you take a little step and feel closer and, perhaps, the next day you don't feel the way you thought you would feel. It is a whole accumulation of emotions.”
The experience has changed his appreciation of everyday football.
“Now I value training, playing and being with them much more. It is a lesson I take with me: valuing every moment when you are healthy and can enjoy what you like.”
Samu also remembered the moment he learned the extent of the injury and the immediate thought that entered his mind.
“The first thing I thought, I'm not going to lie, was the World Cup.”
His return brought another emotional release.
“The last time I cried was when the match ended, when I played again. In the end it is like a release, because everything has already happened.”
The Porto striker now feels physically capable of returning to his previous level and believes goals will follow.
“When I see myself training, honestly, it is as if I hadn't been injured. I even feel better than before.”
“I am sure everything will go well, that it won't take me long to score goals.”
Samu also discussed his complicated departure from Atlético Madrid, where he believes his career began to take shape. Despite difficult moments, he retains gratitude towards the club.
“This story was like a film. I experienced it very intensely because in the end they signed me when I was nobody.”
“I am extremely grateful to Atlético. Without them, I probably wouldn't be where I am.”
He chose not to revisit every detail of that period, saying there were experiences he would rather leave in the past.
“There were many things that happened that I don't want to tell either, because it was a period that I went through very badly.”
Samu also insisted he has no lingering issue with Diego Simeone, describing the disagreements as a matter of competing interests.
“I have nothing against him. It is a clash of interests and I think they were things from the past that, in the end, one forgets. I'm not resentful either.”
His ambitions now extend beyond Porto. Returning to the Spain squad remains a major objective, although he recognises the competition involved.
“It is an objective to return as soon as possible, to be around them, to be able to enjoy that national team.”
“I know it is complicated, but I have a lot of confidence in myself. I know that if I do things well I have a great chance of returning.”
The forward was also asked about the Ballon d'Or and backed Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, describing him as a player capable of making a difference at the highest level.
For Samu, though, the immediate priority is much more personal: staying fit, scoring again and continuing the comeback that has already brought an emotional chapter to a close.