The former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder's transfer to Major League Soccer was confirmed earlier this month, but he tells Goal he nearly moved to the Portuguese club.
Julio Baptista says he was close to joining Porto before completing his transfer to Orlando City earlier in March.
The former Arsenal and Real Madrid attacking midfielder was acquired by the MLS side on a free transfer, having departed Brazilian side Cruzeiro in December.
However, he has now revealed that his destination could have been different, after going through negotiations with the Portuguese club prior to Julen Lopetegui's January sacking, as well as Spanish club Sevilla and Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.