Morita bid 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, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to fulfill his dream of playing in the Premier League, with an offer from Leeds already in hand.

With his departure practically confirmed by the player himself, in the match against Gil Vicente, the Japanese midfielder was substituted in the 73rd minute and, as he left the pitch, received a standing ovation from every stand in the Estádio José Alvalade, with the fans paying him a heartfelt tribute. In tears, he also received an emotional hug from Rui Borges, the coach who has always said 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’s not just a club, it’s a family. I will be back”, 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 remained in the stadium once again, showing a tattoo with enormous meaning. “Saudade” is the word Morita has tattooed on his arm, as 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 saying goodbye to the Club with one more trophy.

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