Bruno de Carvalho on the loss of captain Fernando Mendes

Bruno de Carvalho added his words to a growing list of dedications to Fernando Mendes today, after the Cup Winners' Cup captain sadly passed away at the age 0f 78.

"On the trip we made to Antwerp in May 2014, for the 50th anniversary of the Cup Winners' Cup Win, he couldn't make thr trip with us, but he was all we spoke about. It was his leadership and quality as a player and a coach. Today we lost the man who led the team in what was Sporting Clube de Portugal's first European trophy and he went on to claim his place as one of our heroes back home, winning the national championship as both a player and a coach", said the Sporting president, adding: "He was a man who stood our for showing us how men should behave. He is still one of the most emblematic icons of the Five Violins team and he is an example for everyone, including the players coming through the youth system. This isn't a goodbye Fenando Mendes, because like we said in Antwerp: diamonds are forever. On the day that the national team opened its new Football City, the world of football is that little bit poorer."