Hugo Viana on Man City move: I was very happy at Sporting | OneFootball

Now working at Manchester City, Hugo Viana happily recalls his time serving Sporting

Sep 17, 2025 | 18:04 |

Hugo Viana reminisced about his time as Sporting's sporting director. In this role, the Barcelos native formed a trio with President Frederico Varandas and coach Ruben Amorim, securing a series of trophies for the lions. Interestingly, he faced the last mentioned name last weekend by defeating Manchester United 3-0.

“It's great 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 this kind 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 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 the CFG. What has been built here is very, very incredible.

“I feel comfortable, confident, and I think they do too, otherwise I wouldn't be here. Of course, I have 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 director of football, the CEO, and the coach need to be aligned, and we are,” he concluded.

It is 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, before moving to Manchester City. During this period, he helped the lions win three national championships, two Portuguese Cups, three League Cups, and one Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup.

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