Farewell interview with the player who won six trophies at Sporting CP

Bidding goodbye to the club, Matheus Reis spoke to Jornal Sporting and Sporting TV to remember the 222 games he played for Sporting CP, and express his gratitude for a wonderful spell at Alvalade.

Leaving Sporting CP
Happiness is the feeling that sums up these five years. There have been many achievements, many battles. I have great faith in God, and every time I arrived at the training ground and stepped onto the pitch, I did so with my right foot and asked God to help me win here at Sporting CP. Every day I asked to be a winner, and I believe I leave here a winner. Not just for the achievements and trophies, but for the friendships, camaraderie, and stories.

I don't like goodbyes and I've realised this is the last time I'll be doing certain things, but when you have a sense of accomplishment, everything becomes easier. I fought for everything I could for the club, I leave with my head held high. For a player, that's the most important thing.

His relationship with the club
I never imagined I'd feel this sense of unity that there is here. All the players who leave miss this feeling of being part of a family, of being so well cared for and respected by everyone. In away games in the UEFA Champions League, for example, having our family with us is something indescribable. There's no greater motivation. All the care from the staff, everything. That's what makes this club different. It's no coincidence that the results show on the pitch.

Breaking records for appearances
It's a spectacular legacy. I tried to pass on what I can to the young people who work with the first team every day. It's one of the roles of the older generation, to pass on what we've created in these last five years. It's about dedication, professionalism. Being a champion with Sporting CP is an inexplicable feeling, and I try to explain that hard work, dedication, and sacrifice will be rewarded.

The decision to join Sporting CP
In my career, my time at Sporting CP has been the greatest peak so far. I don't know what will happen from now on, but it was here that I won the most trophies, played the most games, debuted in European competitions, and got to the place where every kid wants to be. Sporting CP is everything to me.

The team's chances of winning a third consecutive title
I believe in it very, very, very much. With faith and hard work, we will win the third title. Attitude will never be lacking for us. We might misplace a pass, or miss a shot, which is normal, but we can never stop running and fighting. We have shown that we fight until the end in these last few games. This group already had that, and continuing like this will bring us the title.

Being captain
It was a unique experience. The first time was in the UEFA Champions League, at a difficult time when we had several players out injured and many games to play. When I received the news, it was incredible. I looked back on my career and thought about everything I had gone through, everything I fought for to get to that moment. I was prepared for it, I knew that one day it could happen. I always had the humility to listen and learn a lot from our captains. I gave my best, both on and off the pitch, and it was an honour. It was the icing on the cake for me.

His legacy
I can't quite grasp the magnitude of it yet, but I get emotional thinking about bringing my children here in the future and telling them that I was part of this winning team and that I won these trophies. It makes me happy. The story has been written and will last forever. The club is an extension of my family and of myself. Everyone has already seen how I am always sincere and fight for the club's objectives and for the well-being of my family. Sporting CP represent everything in my life.

A message for the fans
When I arrived, I was coming off a very difficult time in my life, and many didn't believe in my potential. I fought hard to prove my worth, and my achievements reflected that, but the legacy I leave is this will to win and represent the club. All the players who come here have to have that; they have to want the best for the club. May we never lose this aura that has been created in recent years. Thank you for all the messages, all the affection shown to me. I fought hard, I gave my all, and I did everything I could for the club, and I leave with my head held high. I have eternal gratitude, and may the club continue to be victorious.