Morita bade farewell to Alvalade with Sporting on his arm | OneFootball

Hidemasa Morita said goodbye in tears in the last match he played at Alvalade wearing the Sporting shirt. The midfielder, whose contract is coming to an end, is expected to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League, with an offer from Leeds already in hand.

With his departure all but confirmed by the player himself, in the match against Gil Vicente, the Japanese midfielder was substituted in the 73rd minute and, as he left the pitch, received a standing ovation from every stand in the José Alvalade Stadium, as the fans paid him a heartfelt tribute. In tears, he also received an emotional hug from Rui Borges, the coach who has always said he is a great admirer of the number 5.

After the final whistle, Morita received the man of the match award and, still on the pitch, shared a few emotional words: “This club is everything to me. It is not just a club, it is a family. I will return”, he said.

Before heading to the green-and-white dressing room for the last time, the midfielder took the opportunity to once again thank the fans who remained in the stadium, showing a tattoo with enormous meaning. “Saudade” is the word Morita has tattooed on his arm, in an eternal tribute to Sporting and to Portugal.

In service of the Lions, the Japan international proved decisive on several occasions. In 165 matches for the Alvalade side, he recorded 11 goals and 16 assists. He won two league titles and one Portuguese Cup. Next Sunday, against Torreense, he hopes to lift the Cup again at Jamor, thus saying goodbye to the Club with one more trophy.

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