Official! Sporting keep Quenda's protégé, ex-Benfica | OneFootball

Official: Diego Farinha, a promising 16-year-old midfielder from Sporting’s academy, has signed a professional contract with the Alvalade club. After a season in which he made 18 appearances, scored six goals and provided two assists for the under-17s, he was also used by the under-16s, a level at which he scored one goal in four matches.

Proud of the latest step in his career, the player did not hide his happiness: “It is a feeling of pride and happiness for me and my family. It is a sign that the Club believes in me and I will continue to work to repay that trust,” said the midfielder. Known for being Geovany Quenda’s “godson,” because they shared a room at the Academy, the youngster names Francisco Trincão - who he hopes will get minutes at the World Cup - and Quenda himself as his role models.

Diego Farinha took his first steps in football at UD Almada at the age of five, and also spent time in Benfica’s academy before joining Sporting in 2021/2022 to represent the under-12 team. Now, with the signing of this contract, he will continue to develop at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy.

Speaking to the Club’s official media, the attacking midfielder revealed the goals and dreams he hopes to achieve while representing the green and white shirt: “My biggest dream is to make my debut for the first team at the José Alvalade Stadium,” stressed Diego Farinha.

To finish, the young player wanted to send a message to the entire Sporting community. “Believe in the academy. I will give everything for this shirt”, he concluded, showing effort, dedication and devotion, fundamental pillars for achieving glory in green and white.

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