A Thursday session saw players work on fitness and skills

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to training at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday, continuing with preparations for the 2022/2023 season.

As has been customary in this initial phase, several fitness drills were included in the session alongside ball work.

Jeremiah St. Juste continued undergoing treatment, whilst new signing Rochinha undertook a specific fitness programme.

Rúben Amorim once again called up several youngsters to train with the first team, with Vando Félix, Luís Gomes, Youssef Chermiti and Diego Calai all getting their opportunity to work alongside the coach.

Before the start of the session, the 75 children who are attending the Férias Academia Sporting summer campus in Alcochete were greeted by the players.

The winger joins through to 2026

Rochinha has become Sporting Clube de Portugal's latest signing for 2022/2023. The 27-year-old winger, who has spent the last four seasons at Vitória SC, signed a contract through to 2026 with a buyout clause of 45 million euros.

“Signing for Sporting CP brings me great joy. This was the right step to take in my career and I am very happy to belong to this team and this family. Now it's up to me to give everything I have on a day-to-day basis to help the group to the fullest,” he began by saying in his presentation on Wednesday.

“When they told me about the possibility of coming here, I was immediately very excited and I'm glad that it happened. I hope that in time the Sportinguistas will say it was good for them too. Sporting CP are the club with the highest level among those I've represented and I hope to live up to expectations. I want to help the squad to achieve their goals."

Before moving to Guimarães, where he rose to the role of captain, the forward also had experiences at Boavista FC, Standard de Liège in Belgium, and at Bolton Wanderers in England, which makes him feel prepared to face the responsibilities of playing at a big club.

“At Vitória SC, the demand from the fans was very high, but here it is even greater because there are no excuses; You have to win, win and win. I think that's the requirement I needed at this point in my career and I'm focused on doing my best", he stressed, also expressing his excitement about the idea of playing in the UEFA Champions League and working under Rúben Amorim.

“The image I had of the coach from the outside was already very good, and my first contact with him was also very good. He's a coach you want to work with and now I want to seize this opportunity."

Rochinha is one of the many Portuguese players at the club, and he praised the coach's commitment to homegrown products.

“There is a lot of talent in Portugal, and even the young teams have gone a long way in big competitions. This proves the quality that exists in our country and it is important that the coach tries to make the most of it. It has been bringing results and that is very good for the club."

Rochinha also highlighted the fact that he has been reunited with Nuno Santos and Marcus Edwards, two players with whom he had already played and who will facilitate his integration into the squad.

“Knowing Marcus and Nuno will help me a lot in this early stage of my time here. Also, I've come across many of the other players before, and that's important because they'll be able to help me as much as possible with adapting. Even the players I didn't know have been impeccable in their welcome, and helped me with everything on this first day, so I have to thank them for that too."

In closing, the new signing gave a message to Sporting CP's partners and supporters.

“You can expect a lot of work, dedication and demand from me on a daily basis. I will always be focused as much as possible on making Sportinguistas happy, as that's what I'm here for."

The Uruguayan goalkeeper signs in the summer transfer market

Franco Israel has been signed by Sporting Clube de Portugal on a five-year contract, joining with a buyout clause of 45 million euros.

The Uruguayan goalkeeper arrives at the club after four seasons with Italian side Juventus FC. He was presented on Tuesday afternoon, in an event that was also attended by club president Frederico Varandas.

"I'm very happy to be here. This is one of the biggest clubs in Portugal and I'm looking forward to starting training with my teammates and playing," he told Sporting CP media.

His interview was interrupted by a call from one such teammate: fellow countryman Manuel Ugarte, with whom he played in the Uruguayan Under-20s side. Israel revealed that he spoke with his friend "from the first moment" that the opportunity to strengthen Sporting CP arose.

In Lisbon, the goalkeeper will be captained by another compatriot: Sebastián Coates.

"I didn't know Seba [Coates] personally, but I also spoke to him," he said, before commenting on what it will be like alongside the experienced Antonio Adán: "Working with [Antonio] Adán means working with one of the best Spanish goalkeepers, someone who played for Real Madrid CF and Atletico Madrid and who has been doing very well at Sporting CP. For me, working with a goalkeeper of his level helps me a lot. It's very important."

"I come here with great enthusiasm and I will give everything every day to win trophies. I know the importance of the club", he guaranteed.

In 2021/2022, Franco Israel was the starting goalkeeper for Juventus FC's Under-23 team, playing 38 matches. He was also named on the substitutes' bench for the first team. He has also featured for Club Nacional de Football, one of Uruguay's most prominent teams, and been capped at Under-17 and Under-20 level.

The squad play practice matches against Casa Pia AC and UD Vilafranquense

Sporting Clube de Portugal played two 60-minute training games on Monday at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, as their preseason picks up pace.

In the first, against Casa Pia AC, Os Leões drew 1-1, with a team consisting of Antonio Adán, Luís Neto, José Marsà, Matheus Reis, Diogo Travassos, Dário Essugo, Daniel Bragança, Fatawu, Bruno Tabata, Pedro Gonçalves and Youssef Chermiti. Sporting CP's goal was scored by Pedro Gonçalves.

In the afternoon, against UD Vilafranquense, Sporting CP won 1-0, fielding André Paulo, Ricardo Esgaio, Chico Lamba, Flávio Nazinho, Hevertton Santos, Hidemasa Morita, Mateus Fernandes, Nuno Santos, Marcus Edwards, Luís Gomes and Paulinho . Marcus Edwards scored the only goal of the match.

The squad return to training this Wednesday, after a day off.

The squad are back in training at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo

The Sporting Clube de Portugal squad are back in training for the 2022/23 season, and the players were put through their paces on Sunday morning at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete.

Rúben Amorim continues to use preseason to see more young players up close, calling up Youssef Chermiti and Diogo Travassos as well as Hevertton Santos.

Pedro Porro missed the session with flu, as did Jeremiah St. Juste due to a sprain to his right ankle.

Japanese international signs through to 2026

Hidemasa Morita is the latest addition to the Sporting Clube de Portugal squad, joining through to 2026 with a buyout clause of 45 million euros. The 27-year-old midfielder signs from CD Santa Clara, where he played for the last two seasons.

“Ever since I came to Portugal I have wanted to play for Sporting CP. This is a very big, fantastic club. I am very happy,” he began by telling the media at his presentation event.

“Without a doubt this is the biggest challenge in my entire career. I am very happy to be able to join this club”.

Before his time in the Azores, Morita represented Ryutsu Keizai UFC and Kawasaki Frontale in his homeland, winning two league titles, a Japanese Cup, a League Cup and a Super Cup. Now, with his arrival at Sporting CP, he hopes to achieve another of his goals.

“My dream has always been to play in the UEFA Champions League, and it's unbelievable that this is happening,” he said on Friday.

Capped by Japan on 16 occasions (scoring two goals), the new signing also praised coach Rúben Amorim, saying that "He is smart and has built an aggressive team. I feel comfortable with that and I can't wait to work with him."

As for his preferred position, the midfielder commented that “I feel very good in both the No.6 and No.8 position, and I have confidence in both roles."

“The Sportinguistas are fantastic and I can't wait to play with them in the stands. I will do my best for them,” he assured.

Club maintain values from the 2019/2020 season, include up to 23 Champions League games and set a price from €93 -with the possibility of payment in installments

'Your Passion has a Place' is the motto with which Sporting Clube de Portugal kick off the 2022/2023 season, with the first call to arms of the summer.

From Thursday, June 23rd, all Members can purchase their new Gamebox for the upcoming campaign.

After two difficult years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club have decided to reward all members for their loyalty, and will apply the same prices this season as in 2019/2020 (the last season before the pandemic), with the added value of the team participating in the Champions League.

Gamebox 2021/2022 holders have exclusivity to renew their seat through to July 8th.

Gamebox 2022/2023 includes up to 23 games and special offers this year:

Games included
- Troféu Cinco Violinos on July 24th
- 17 Liga Portugal games
- 3 Champions League group stage games
- Up to 2 Taça da Liga games

Special offers that can be cumulative
- Two invitations to Liga Portugal games, except for the August/September fixtures, matches against FC Porto and SL Benfica, and the last game at home
For Gamebox Members aged 19 and above (with an annual place since 2003)
20% discount at the Loja Verde at the stadium, to use in a single purchase from September 1st to October 31st, 2022.
Exclusively for Members who renew or purchase the Gamebox with cash payment
Free entry to the Sporting CP Museum until June 30th, 2023
For all Members with Gamebox 2022/2023
 
Prices for 2022/2023:

The main advantages of the Gamebox are:
- Access to the best seats at the Estádio José Alvalade
- Fixed seat throughout the season
- Savings compared to game-by-game purchases at the ticket office
- Easy payment with 3 interest-free installments
- Wide range of prices: From €93 to €450
- Special prices for children, young people, women and seniors
- Card transferability within the same typology
- Priority for games not included
- Right of preference in the purchase of tickets for finals
 
The following discounts are applied compared to the adult price:
1. Children from 3 years old (inclusive) to 11 years old: 50% off
2. Young people up to 23 years old, women and seniors aged 65 and over: 23% off
This year, the renewal, purchase and relocation process has been improved and can all be done online on the same page, improving the experience and making the entire process easier.

Just go to www.gamebox.sporting.pt, enter your Membership number and the last five digits of the Membership card, and follow the instructions through to the final purchase with the following payment options: MB Way, ATM reference or debit/credit card.

​Goalkeeper to stay at the club through to 2023

André Paulo will remain at Sporting CP until 2023, as the 25-year-old goalkeeper renewed his contract with the club this Wednesday.

“I'm very happy to continue at Sporting CP. It's what I wanted. I feel very good here,” he began by saying after putting pen to paper on the contract extension, before adding: “The group always thinks of the team and the players help each other a lot with our growth. With that, we also help the club, and this is a positive aspect of this squad."

After two seasons at the club already, and after having also played for teams such as AD Oeiras, Casa Pia AC and Real SC, the goalkeeper considers that he has developed a lot within a short time.

“I learned a lot from the training of Mister Vital and Tiago in the last two years. Working with them is very demanding, but that is very positive. For a goalkeeper, demand is very important. We have to be focused every second and we can never switch off. I hope to continue learning so that I can use what I've learnt on the pitch."

A Liga Portugal winner with the club in 2020/21, making his debut in the final matchday, the goalkeeper once again had the opportunity to feature at the Estádio José Alvalade in the game that closed 2021/2022.

“In the first game we had been crowned champions already, but there were no fans in attendance. In the second there were fans present, and it was spectacular to feel their support in Alvalade. Everyone likes to play with the fans in the stands, because there is a different level of joy. It makes us more confident and makes us better on the pitch.”

André Paulo also expressed his aspirations for next season.

“It will be demanding, but we have a lot of ambition and we need the fans alongside us to achieve our goals. I hope to continue to evolve and I will give everything in training to be available and at the best of my abilities when called upon. We will work to help the club achieve its goals."

Sporting CP buy the Spanish international on a permanent deal

Sporting Clube de Portugal have taken up the option to buy fullback Pedro Porro, who after two seasons at the club on loan from Manchester City joins on a permanent deal.

The Spanish international has signed a contract through until 2025, with a release clause of 45 million euros.

“I am very happy. When I came here, I knew I was coming to a great club, but I didn't expect to have achieved what I have in these two years and for us to have created this family, this strong group. We've played well and won trophies," he began by saying after putting pen to paper on the contract.

Porro revealed that staying at the club was his wish: “From the beginning, my objective was to help Sporting CP, where I knew that the demand is of a high level. This is a big club, I've been given an opportunity and I'm very happy to continue here."

As part of the team, the defender has won four trophies -one Liga Portugal, two Taca da Liga and one Supertaça - and has received great affection from the fans.

“I know very well what the expectation from the supporters is, and in games we realise how important this is. I've always liked that, and also the demand that wearing this badge requires. You have to have grit, have attitude and run right to the end. That's what I've done so far,” he said, adding: “I always try to work as hard as I can and I've always done that. That's what I was taught to do, and I know that to be a top-level player you have to have this kind of demand. Giving everything until the end is part of me, and the support of the fans also helps me a lot."

With 72 games, nine goals scored and 10 assists in two seasons, Porro recalls some special moments at the club:

“The goal in the Taça da Liga final, which helped us win the trophy, and the Champions League [against Borussia Dortmund] in the game where we qualified for the Round of 16. Those goals were special, but the truth is that since I arrived here I have had some very beautiful moments."

An assessment from the coach of the win over CD Santa Clara and the season itself

Rúben Amorim spoke after the 4-0 win over CD Santa Clara (4-0) that rounded off the Liga Portugal season, and reflected on a campaign which ended with the same number of points (85) as the previous year.

“We were more of a team than last year, and there was less suffering in our games. We scored more goals and also conceded more, but we didn't deserve that - and I say that because there were one or two shots that came off deflections. Even so, I think we defended better, we had more of the ball and that's why we didn't let our opponents have as many opportunities," he said.

"What I take away is that we were in the fight for all the trophies in Portugal. We won two, we missed out on another one and we were in the fight for the league title until the end. We achieved 85 points, but there were small details in a short time that made the difference and could have given us six more points. Even with the fans back at the stadiums and with the Champions League, we scored the same points as last season."

“A new season will start soon and we will begin it with the same ambition."

“Sporting CP have a history of fighting for trophies, but there were important moments in the history of the club that made life very difficult. Many years were lost, but fighting for silverware is normal in Sporting CP's history. When I arrived, I think it was the year in which Sporting CP had suffered the most defeats, and now we are fighting for the title, going to finals, going to the Champions League and reaching the Last 16. We are taking Sporting CP where the club belongs."

 Amorim also spoke of the support of the Sportinguistas, who gave a standing ovation at the end of the game.

 “The fans have the highest level of demand, but they also understand that we have very difficult moments; and even in those, they supported us. That doesn't show a lack of demand, but rather intelligence. They know that it won't help if they're against the team. They should whistle us when they are unhappy, but at times there is nothing that helps more than the support of the fans.”

“Nobody is happy because we didn't win the league, but the fans see that the team give everything. There are three clubs who can be champions and all three have the obligation to fight for that title, but there is only one top spot and there are two that will fall by the wayside," he explained.

"The fans don't forget the recent past, when the club was not in the fight for these honours, but now we are in there, we want to win and, therefore, in the end they support a team that gave everything and failed. I think that reveals a lot of intelligence and not a lack of demand, because we have a lot of that."

Finally, Amorim revealed how he will spend the holidays.

 “This year I feel much more tired, perhaps also because we didn't win. I'm going to rest, but I think I'm going to rest for three days and then I'll miss this already (laughs). I'm going to enjoy myself and fill my days with family time, and annoy Hugo Viana to try to control everything because I'm quite annoying like that!"