Palhinha booed at Alvalade and hits back; Benfica midfielder's epic reply | OneFootball

he did not go unnoticed on his return to Alvalade. The midfielder, now playing for Benfica, was booed by Sporting fans during Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales, but said after the match that the reaction from the stands did not change his attitude or the way he looks back on the time he spent at the Lisbon club.

The Portugal international recalled that he stayed at Alvalade even after the attack on the Academy, at a particularly difficult time for Sporting. Palhinha also noted that João Mário, who also played for both rivals, went through a similar situation. Speaking about the boos, he explained that he was not affected and repeated comments he had made before: "In the end, it’s more of the same. It’s the reality of our football, the way people experience football. Many of them are irrational".

Despite the move, Palhinha - who was praised by Jaime Cancella de Abreu - insists that he still respects the club where he made his name. The midfielder admits he is "very happy" to represent Benfica, but stresses that his time at Sporting will always have special meaning. "I do not forget the history I had here, regardless of people’s mindsets".

The player believes that the more rational supporters will not forget his conduct during one of the most delicate periods in Sporting’s recent history. He stressed that he stayed "at the club’s worst moment and always gave everything and was professional".

As for the way he is currently received at Alvalade, he once again drew a distinction between different fans’ reactions and made his position clear. "That’s what I value. The irrational ones will simply focus on the fact that Palhinha represents Benfica and boo, as happened today, but my conscience is perfectly clear that I always gave everything for the club."

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