Leonino
·17 September 2025
Hugo Viana on Man City move: Fond memories of Sporting days

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Yahoo sportsLeonino
·17 September 2025
Hugo Viana recalled his time as Sporting’s sporting director. Taking on this role, the native of Barcelos formed a trio with President Frederico Varandas and coach Ruben Amorim, who secured a series of trophies for the Lions. Interestingly, he faced the last name mentioned this past weekend, when he defeated Manchester United 3-0.
“It’s very good to be here and, of course, I will do my best with everyone to continue this journey that has been so good. I was very happy [at Sporting], it was almost seven years, but of course, when you have the opportunity to work for a great club and a great organization like Man City, with these kinds of people by your side, like Ferran Soriano, Pep Guardiola or Txiki Begiristain, it’s incredible,” he said in an interview with the Citizens’ media.
Next, Hugo Viana spoke about his relationship with his colleagues at Manchester City, such as Txiki Begiristain, Pep Guardiola, and Ferran Soriano: “Txiki was a very important person in my decision, and I am proud and confident at the same time. It’s a pleasure to work with this kind of players and also with the best coach in the world, and also with Ferran. It has been incredible for the club and also for CFG. What has been built here is really, really amazing.
“I feel comfortable, confident, and I think they do too, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Of course, I’ve known Ferran for a long time, more than Pep, and Txiki as well, and, as I said, Txiki was a very important person in my decision, but of course the sporting director, the CEO, and the coach need to be aligned, and we are,” he concluded.
It’s worth remembering that after ending his playing career, Hugo Viana took on the role of sporting director at Sporting, between the 2018/19 and 2024/25 seasons, when he moved to Manchester City. During this period, he helped the Lions win three national championships, two Portuguese Cups, three League Cups, and one Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.