Beto sits down for an interview Sporting TV

After spending 11 years in the Sporting CP young system, Beto Pimparel returned to his spiritual home this season. Speaking in a lengthy interview with Sporting TV this week, the Alvalade keeper reflected on the opportunity to make the move back to Lisbon.

"When I heard that Sporting CP were interested, I asked my agent where I had to sign. Then when I called my son he cried and said 'dad, you are going to play for our club'. That really was a special feeling", said Beto, adding: "Unfortunately after 11 years I didn't get into the senior team, but this is really important to me because I promised a person I really love that I would play here."

Currently 34 years old, Beto isn't about to take off his gloves just yet: "Why not finish my career here? I haven't put a limit on anything. I could play for four or even seven more years. The people who work with me know I am a professional and I love training and playing. I always try to do my best. I feel great and well motivated."

Speaking about the years he spent in abroad, Beto proved happy to be back on Portuguese soil: "When you are far away from home you miss your family. Technology helps, but it is nothing like giving a hug on the days when you don't feel so good. It was hard, but I knew what I was doing when I went. I tried to explain to the kids why I had to go, but it was hard. Seeing my son look at the map between Porto and Cluj in Romania was hard, but today he understands that it was to make a better life for us."