And this? Sporting wonderkid reveals he could've joined Benfica | OneFootball

Dário Essugo, one of Sporting’s brightest emerging talents in recent years, is currently playing for Chelsea. In an interview with the London club’s official platforms, the Portuguese midfielder spoke about his journey in football, revealing that during his youth development years, Benfica also showed interest in him.

"I was ten years old when I joined Sporting. It was very good, but I didn’t think too much about it, because Benfica also wanted me. Sporting gave me a very good project for me and my family to go there, so I chose them," began the Blues midfielder, who had been injured since September 2025.

"When I turned 16, they offered me a professional contract and I started my career seriously. It was at the end of that week that I made my debut for Sporting. It was a very special week — lots of emotions to experience," Essugo added, speaking about his development at the green-and-white club.

"My parents helped me a lot because they are very mentally strong. They had difficulties in the past and now they are able to live a little better, which makes me happy. But they helped me see that life is not easy," said the 21-year-old footballer, while recalling his childhood.

So far this season for Chelsea, Dário Essugo — valued at €17 million — has already made four official appearances after returning from a serious injury: two in the FA Cup, one in the Premier League and one in Premier League 2. In the 181 minutes he has been on the pitch, the Portuguese player has provided two assists.

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