Fresneda thrilled with Sporting signing: more friend than team-mate | OneFootball

Iván Fresneda expressed his excitement about Sporting’s return to Alvalade in the 14th edition of the Cinco Violinos Trophy against Monaco. The match will also serve as the presentation of the first team to the fans ahead of the official start of the 2026/27 season, after around 70 days without games at the Lions’ stadium.

The full-back revealed his delight at playing at home again and seeing the fans back in the stands: "It feels like a long time has passed since the last game at Alvalade. The whole team is really eager to play with the fans in the stands and to step onto the pitch again. We’re very happy because it’s already tomorrow," he told the Club’s official media.

With pre-season now 25 days in and several new signings integrated into the squad, the wide player highlighted the positive atmosphere within the group: "Sporting has always been a family since the first day I arrived, and that doesn’t change. I see the new players fully integrated into the team," he explained.

The Spanish player also spoke about the arrival of compatriot Sergi Altimira: "I’m very happy to have another Spaniard in the team. He’s a great friend — I already see him more as a friend than a teammate. He’s really enjoying Lisbon, the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy, and being here with us. As for me, I’m 100% fit and ready to play".

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