Sporting star says goodbye after 192 games: I achieved everything | OneFootball

Ricardo Esgaio was presented this Monday, September 1st, as a reinforcement for the Turkish team Karagumruk, in a contract valid for two seasons. The right-back thus leaves Sporting, but left an emotional message to the green and white associate mass.

"I tried to give my all for the Club. I am proud. I managed to conquer everything there was to conquer for Sporting. I had a goal: not only the cups we won, which are important, but to be national champion for Sporting. I managed to be twice and obviously I am very proud of my journey here. Titles are always significant, but when I made my debut for Sporting I also have another memory in my head. It wasn't the Sporting of today. It was even harder to reach the A team, but it's a memory that stays in the head", began the player in statements to Sporting TV.

The full-back says he is an "example": "I have to be proud, because it wasn't an easy journey. I arrived at the Academy at 13, I came to live alone at the Academy, we know that at that time it is not easy and at the time Mr. Aurélio Pereira helped me a lot. Fortunately, with many things he told me, I managed to stay here, continue this and I managed to reach the A team of Sporting. You can look at me as an example, that I always tried to help the club and help my colleagues".

The footballer left a message to coach Rui Borges and the rest of the squad: "I wish the best of luck in the World, obviously. May they continue to give their best, because if they give their best, they will achieve the goals they want. And never lose focus on what is the task and the work. Because this way they will reach the highest level. It is my pride to see Sporting the way it has grown. To see the way it has evolved, how it can stand up to any team and that it enters every game to win. That is the most important thing for me and us players", he concluded.

Ricardo Esgaio - valued at 1.5 million euros - ends a 17-year connection with Sporting. The 'jersey 47' played a total of 192 games for the main team of the lions, where his two goals and 18 assists contributed to the conquest of two Leagues, two Portugal Cups, two Super Cups and a League Cup.

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