Official! Sporting darling turns down Italy, signs 5 more years | OneFootball

It’s official. Sporting have announced the contract renewal of Eduardo Quaresma. The 24-year-old centre-back - who received approaches from Italy - has extended his stay with the Lions until 2031. Since making his first-team debut in 2019/20, he has already surpassed the 100-game mark and won three National Championships, one Portuguese Cup and one League Cup.

Happy to remain at Alvalade, he did not hide his emotion: "It’s a feeling of pride and a sign that Sporting have trusted my work over the years. I feel at home, I feel good and I’m happy with this renewal. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think this was possible. I was just a kid when I arrived here, I wanted to have fun and enjoy football to the fullest. When things started to get more serious, I realised I could reach the first team and renew my contract".

Captain of the team during pre-season, Eduardo Quaresma revealed that he sees Sebastián Coates and Morten Hjulmand as two references in the way they lead the group: "They were two completely different captains, but two great examples that I try to follow. I still speak to them a lot and I know the responsibility that comes with wearing the armband here. It was also a childhood dream and I feel very proud," he said.

The centre-back also recalled his loan spells at Tondela and Hoffenheim, admitting that those periods were decisive in helping him return to Sporting stronger: "In football, one moment you’re at the top and the next you’re at the bottom. Even while out on loan, I always tried to give my best. They were two mentally difficult years, but I was a warrior and managed to turn things around. (…) I didn’t develop that much as a player, but rather mentally. I became more mature and that was what the coach was looking for at the time. It wasn’t about quality or commitment, I needed to grow as a person and those two years helped".

"Winning titles at Sporting never gets tiring, it’s one of the best feelings in the world. Making history at a club this big is a source of pride and every year I try to win every title".

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