Tribute to Fernando Mendes

The Portuguese League today announced a minute of silence at the start of all Liga NOS fixtures on matchday 28 and in Ledman LigaPro matchday 28, in tribute to Sporting's eternal captain, Fernando Mendes.

The statement from the League notes: "Fernando Mendes was national champion in 1958 and 1962 and was the captain of the Sporting team that won the Cup Winners' Cup (1964). As a coach, he was also won the youth (92/93) and senior (79/80) championships)."

The president of the Portuguese Football Federation also commented on the loss of Fernando Mendes: "It is with great sadness that I heard of the death of Fernando Mendes. He was a great player for the national team and Sporting Clube de Portugal, as well as being an icon for Portuguese coaches. Serving his club, he won three titles, a Cup Winners' Cup and he always did Portuguese football proud."