Morita bade farewell to Alvalade with a Sporting tribute... on his arm | OneFootball

Hidemasa Morita said goodbye in tears in the last match he played at Alvalade wearing the Sporting shirt. The midfielder, whose contract is coming to an end, is expected to fulfill his dream of playing in the Premier League, with an offer from Leeds already in hand.

With his departure virtually confirmed by the player himself, in the match against Gil Vicente, the Japanese international was substituted in the 73rd minute and, as he left the pitch, received a standing ovation from every stand at the José Alvalade Stadium, with the fans paying him a heartfelt tribute. In tears, he also received an emotional hug from Rui Borges, the coach who has always made it clear he is a great admirer of the number 5.

After the final whistle, Morita received the man of the match award and, still on the pitch, shared a few emotional words: “This club is everything to me. It is not just a club, it is a family. I will return”, he said.

Before heading, for the last time, to the green-and-white dressing room, the midfielder took the opportunity to thank the fans who were still in the stadium once again, showing a tattoo with enormous meaning. “Saudade” is the word Morita has tattooed on his arm, an eternal tribute to Sporting and to Portugal.

In service of the Lions, the Japan international proved decisive on several occasions. In 165 matches for the Alvalade side, he recorded 11 goals and 16 assists. He won two league titles and one Portuguese Cup. Next Sunday, against Torreense, he hopes to lift the Cup again at Jamor, thus bidding farewell to the Club with one more trophy.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.