Played for Real Madrid, now returns to Sporting

Pedro Mendes, 35, is set to return to Sporting in a new capacity, following a career that included stints at several clubs, notably European giants Real Madrid.

According to A BOLA, the former central defender will join Tiago Fernandes' coaching staff for Sporting's B team. This move comes after Mendes concluded his playing career last season with Feirense in Liga 2.

Beyond the aforementioned clubs, the newly appointed coach also played for Swiss side Servette, Italian clubs Parma and Sassuolo, French teams Rennes and Montpellier, and in Portugal, Estrela da Amadora and Real Massamá. He also had a spell with Georgian club Dila.

His new mission will be to assist the son of the legendary Manuel Fernandes with Alvalade's reserve squad, which competes in Liga 2. Vítor Afonso, arriving from Portimonense, also joins the new staff, alongside fitness coach Tomás Azevedo, goalkeeping coach Dário Ezequiel, and analyst Rafael Pinto. The latter three were already part of the technical staff within Sporting's youth ranks.

Tiago Fernandes, who signed a contract until 2028, was chosen to replace João Gião, who departed for Nacional da Madeira for his first experience in Liga Portugal Betclic.