The goalkeeper commented on preseason and new arrivals in a chat with Sporting TV

Following their initial medicals and fitness tests, the Sporting Clube de Portugal first team squad made their long-awaited return to the training pitch this week. The players - including new signings such as Zouhair Feddal and Pedro Gonçalves - were put through their paces on Wednesday at the Academia Sporting in Alcochete.

Goalkeeper Luís Maximiano spoke to Sporting TV after the session to talk about the work undertaken.

"We are anxious to get the season started. We want to work hard, and the sooner the preseason games come around, the better for us to get ready," he explained.

"We have a strong group and players who are integrating right now. They have come in to increase the quality of the team, and that's why we are keen to have a good season."

Establishing objectives is standard for this time of year, and Maximiano is no different.

"The first thing that we have to do is get into the Group Stage of the Europa League, but a team like Sporting CP always fight to win every game - and that is what we intend to do."

The shot-stopper also hopes that the club will be able to welcome fans back to their stadium soon, to provide a boost to the players.

"It's always different playing in front of fans at the stadium, and if this happens it will be very positive for us and for those who must be missing coming to the Alvalade. I prefer to play in front of a full Estádio José Alvalade."