As firecrackers echoed through the stadium and a colossal tifo gently descended, all eyes turned to the young player from Benfica, who had just been called to the pitch for his emotional farewell.

The moment was unlike anything most had seen before.

In an unusual turn of events, Sporting’s stadium announcer requested Ruben Amorim’s presence well after both teams had already lined up for the match.

The crowd stood in anticipation as he made his way to the center, receiving a framed shirt in appreciation.

Amorim waved to the fans, and in a twist of irony, Manchester City—whom he would face in the Premier League next month—played along with the celebration.

A Sporting Icon’s Goodbye

Amorim’s farewell wasn’t just any farewell.

This was a player who grew up supporting Benfica, taken to the iconic Estadio da Luz by his father Virgilio, who even recalls changing Amorim’s nappy in the stands.

To many, he was a midfielder who spent nine seasons with Benfica, not someone who would typically earn adoration from Sporting’s fans.

However, four years ago, when Manchester City’s new sporting director, Hugo Viana, made the bold decision to hire the relatively inexperienced coach from Braga for around £10 million, the idea seemed daring.

Yet, under Amorim’s leadership, Sporting transformed. He leaves the club a hero, an icon, and someone who has completely changed the dynamics of Portuguese football.

From Anger to Acceptance

The Portuguese capital spent weeks in mourning following his decision to leave mid-season.

Many fans were upset with the timing, especially with Manchester United as his destination.

However, over time, anger gave way to acceptance, and eventually, joy.

His final match at home was celebrated like a wake with an open bar and a well-stocked jukebox, a fitting tribute to the end of a remarkable era.

Amorim’s departure was everywhere in the media.

Senior figures from all industries weighed in on the news, with even one of Portugal’s major newspapers satirizing his timing by suggesting he delayed his exit to avoid overshadowing the Government’s Budget announcement.

While the cartoon wasn’t particularly flattering, it highlighted how influential Amorim had become in Portugal.

A Legacy Cemented

The farewell banner inside Estadio Jose Alvalade read “Obrigado,” thanking Amorim for his work, accompanied by a picture of him looking every bit the statesman.

Under his leadership, Sporting won five trophies, including two league titles, and would have likely secured a third this season.

Amorim’s legacy was not just about the trophies but about breaking the 19-year reign of Porto and Benfica dominance, changing the course of Portuguese football forever.

When Amorim took over in 2020, even his own family had doubts, with his mother, an accountant, unsure if it was the right decision.

But time has since proven them wrong, and Amorim’s impact on Sporting cannot be overstated.

The Road Ahead

For many around Sporting, Amorim’s only remaining challenge was to push the team into the European elite.

Given the early-season results and his performance against City, it was clear he was on the right path.

It’s a shame he won’t see the job through to its full potential, but the pull of Manchester United was simply too strong.

For Amorim, the match against City was a significant marker in his journey.

A few years ago, they had been demolished 5-0 by City, despite putting up a decent fight.

Amorim’s approach to the match was calm, even as his team relentlessly pushed forward, challenging Ederson’s goal.

His mannerisms on the sidelines, constantly directing his players, were reminiscent of Pep Guardiola himself—calm, controlled, yet driven by emotion.

A Childhood Memory

Amorim’s emotional drive stems from his past.

As a child, he was a roller hockey goalkeeper, but after a tough practice session and some harsh criticism from his coach, he walked off the field and never returned.

He shifted to football, and the rest is history.

Even as a young hockey player, Amorim’s frustration with his father’s lateness in taking him to training was evident.

His father, Virgilio, still runs a repair shop in Alverca do Ribatejo, a town up the coast.

Today, his son is revving up for a new chapter in Manchester, but his journey has always been about passion and determination.

Now, it’s time for Amorim to take his drive to the Premier League.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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