"I hope to wear the Sporting jersey again one day," says Quenda

A year ago, Chelsea shelled out 50 million euros to sign Geovany Quenda, the 19-year-old winger who came through Sporting's academy. He remained at Alvalade on loan, but with the season now over, it's time for him to pack his bags for England, where he's already recovered from an injury this season. In a farewell interview with Sporting TV, the young Lion couldn't hold back tears, especially when recalling his final match at Alvalade against Gil Vicente in the last league fixture (a 3-0 victory).

"There were nights I couldn't sleep because, for me, it was obviously difficult to say goodbye to a club that helped me and my family so much. It's a very special club to me," Quenda confessed, pausing to wipe away tears.

"Sporting will always be in my heart. I can't thank them enough for their help and the way they treated my parents. For me, my family's well-being is incredibly important, and Sporting always had that side of helping my parents and my relatives."

As he departs, Quenda is certain that after two seasons with the senior squad, he's a "more mature player, with a bit more experience, because there's still so much to experience in football." He added, "But, of course, Sporting helped me immensely. I will always carry Sporting in my heart. So, I can only express my gratitude to a club that means everything to me – unity, passion… I will never forget Sporting. It's not goodbye, it's 'see you later.' I hope to wear the Sporting jersey again one day."

His dream of playing for the senior team was fulfilled, as was becoming a national champion in a celebration he'll never forget. Rúben Amorim was the coach who elevated him to the highest level, while Rui Borges maintained faith in him and always believed in his potential.

"He always spoke with me, even when I wasn't at my best… He always helped me, gave me minutes, always played me, and I can only thank someone who helped me so much."

Before a heartfelt message to the fans, Quenda reminisced about his academy days, expressing satisfaction and wishing his friends João Simões and Salvador Blopa "achieve their dreams." He also recalled a teammate who was always close in the senior squad: "Esgaio used to give me a lot of fruit in training and then say it was for me to learn, that it wasn't easy."

Finally, he expressed his certainty that he will one day play for the "senior national team," where he has already been called up but without playing minutes. He then delivered his message to the Sporting faithful: "I have to thank everyone who helped me. The sacrifices were worth it, and I have to say thank you to everyone who supported me from day one. I will always carry Sporting fans in my heart, and I just have to thank you for everything you've done for me."