​The forward rejoins the club for a second spell

Islam Slimani has returned to Sporting Clube de Portugal, six years on from the end of his first spell at the clib. The Algerian forward has put pen to paper on a contract through until 2023, and was presented officially on Thursday afternoon.

“I've come back because the fans like me and because the club like me. For me, that's the most important thing in football. I missed Sporting CP, the fans and Alvalade, so the decision was very easy. It feels very good to be home,” Slimani began by saying.

“It was at this club that I was happiest. Sporting CP is my home, I feel good here and I'm happy here."

He will once again be Sporting CP's No.9. Since leaving Alvalade the first time around, he has played for Leicester City FC, Newcastle UFC, Fenerbahçe SK , AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais.

Slimani will be reunited with some teammates with whom he has already played, such as Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio, and he commented that “It was great to see them and Paulinho again. I'm back to help the team and the club."

“Sporting CP play very good football. I know the club well and I also know the style of play used by the coach, Rúben Amorim."

At the age of 33, the forward, who scored 57 goals in his first spell at the club, says he is in top form.

“I hope to score many goals. I am a more experienced Slimani and, in my opinion, a better Slimani than the first time around."