The midfielder returns to action after an injury-hit year

Having been unable to compete for a year due to a serious injury suffered in the preseason for the 2022/2023 campaign, Daniel Bragança is back to full fitness and featured in the entire second half of the game against KRC Genk.

Speaking to journalists, he expressed his satisfaction with the way the preseason is going so far. “It has been a very good comeback. I was missing the adrenaline that you get in games a lot. I felt really good. Everyone knows what I went through, and it's about forgetting about that a little."

"Regardless of whether there are new dynamics in the team or not, we are absorbing everything the manager wants and trying to do things in the best way. We want to get to the start of the season in good form," he added, explaining that psychologically he has also overcome the most difficult part of his return.

"I feel that I came on and I didn't even remember the injury."

The midfielder had positive words for the fans present in the friendly which is yet another stimulus for hard work. 

“I felt this affection. In fact, I felt it many times during my time on the sidelines and I am grateful for that. I hope the fans are at maximum strength to help us this season. 

Bragança is motivated for the new season, and driven by the display of confidence in him conveyed by the coach and the club, since he recently renewed his contract. “The coach gave me motivation, after a difficult year that I went through. This gives me the courage to face the new season and I'm another player available to help," he concluded.

The midfielder promises maximum focus against Ajax

Daniel Bragança addressed the media before a training session at the Johan Cruijff Arena, held on the eve of Sporting CP's game against Ajax.

The midfielder made clear his side's ambition for the match, saying that: “It will be a very difficult game because we are up against great teams in our group. There are no easy games in the Champions League, but we will do everything to win."

“We are a great club, and we represent Sporting CP. So we look at each game with the mentality of winning. Tomorrow will be no exception, and that is what we are going to try to do: Win, enjoy ourselves, evolve and grow in this competition," he stressed.

The young talent also spoke about what he considers he has to do to be a more regular starter: “Work harder and take every opportunity to be at my best level. Then it's up to the coach, and to us to prove, every day, that we are prepared to give our best."

The 22-year old extends his stay at Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal and Daniel Bragança have renewed the player's contract with the club through to 2025, with a buyout clause of 45 million euros.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Academia Sporting in Alcochete. The Portuguese Under-21 international put pen to paper in the presence of Frederico Varandas, chairman of the Board of Directors, and expressed what the extension means to him.

"It is a recognition by the club of my work over the years. I am very happy about this renewal, and for the opportunity to continue with my story at this club," he told the media.

"It gives me more motivation to continue doing my job, which is to represent this club. It also gives me more responsibility. I will establish my goals again, and continue to give my all for this club, who believe in me," he added.

He listed the league title, Super Taça and Taça da Liga wins from last season as the three most memorable moments of his career so far, and also praised his teammates for making such feats possible.

"We have great unity at this club. It is also because of them that I am here today to renew my contract. I am very grateful to them, because we had an excellent year. It is also because of them that I will continue to work, because this group deserves 200% effort from all of us."

Bragança has been at the club since the 2007/2008 season, and his rise up the youth ranks serves as an example for young talents.

"Getting here was a childhood dream. I arrived at the academy aged 13, and it was always a goal to reach the first team. I hope that the young players believe in themselves, just as I believed in myself. Dream big, because one day it will come. If you have quality and if you have the focus, good things happen."

Finally, Bragança addressed Sporting CP's members and fans.

"May they continue to support us and believe in us, because they are very important in our victories and the confidence of this group. Now that we have 100% capacity available, I want them to fill the José Alvalade."

Daniel Bragança, Elves Baldé, João Oliveira, Luís Maximiano and Thierry Correia all feature in Portuguese squad

The Portuguese Football Federation has announced its under-18 squad list for a coming encounter with Morocco. Daniel Bragança, Elves Baldé, João Oliveira, Luís Maximiano and Thierry Correia all feature, seeing Alvalade once again dominate the squad.