The midfielder comments on the task ahead against AFC Ajax

At the press conference ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal's game against AFC Ajax in the UEFA Champions League group stage, João Palhinha addressed the media.

"We analysed AFC Ajax, just like we analyse all the teams we face. They are a team who need no introduction. We see this as something new. Most of our players haven't played in this competition yet, but we are facing tomorrow's game with great motivation," he told reporters at the Auditorio Artur Agostinho.

"We are looking forward to the game starting and to hearing the UEFA Champions League anthem. I am sure that my teammates, the coach and all the staff feel the same. We are proud to be in this unique position," he added, also explaining that participating in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League "makes the players more experienced."

Asked if the duel with AFC Ajax is of special relevance, the Portuguese international midfielder stressed that "all games will be key games."

"We have a tough group. I've heard people belittle our group, but I really think that there are no favourites. We have a group of excellent teams who are used to these competitions. AFC Ajax, like us, are a team with many quality young players. We have many similarities between the two squads. We are two clubs who are committed to youth and have quality in our youth system. It will be a very difficult game, as will the games against Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş JK."

"The extra energy comes with representing this club, in any competition. Our thinking and motivation must always be high, because whoever represents this Club knows that they always enter the pitch trying to win," he added.

Finally, Palhinha spoke about his midfield partners, with a special focus on Matheus Nunes.

"We have adapted very well to each other. Matheus [Nunes] is an excellent player, as are Dani [Bragança], [Manuel] Ugarte or [Bruno] Tabata. All midfield players have different characteristics. Matheus is growing visibly, as is Dani and Ugarte. All the young players have grown, and that is due to the work of the coaching staff," he concluded.

Mendes, Palhinha and Gonçalves receive Euro 2020 call-ups

Sporting Clube de Portugal will provide three players for the Portuguese national team in this summer's European Championship tournament, scheduled to get underway in June.

Nuno Mendes, João Palhinha and Pedro Gonçalves are the three members of Os Leões named on the 26-man squad list, announced by coach Fernando Santos on Thursday.

Mendes and Palhinha retain places in the squad, whilst Pedro Gonçalves receives a first senior call-up. He recently finished the Liga NOS season as top goalscorer in the competition.

Portugal are part of Group F in Euro 2020, and will face Hungary (June 15th), Germany (June 19th) and France (June 23rd) in their defence of their title.

The trio will represent Portugal and Spain, respectively, for the first time

João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes and Pedro Porro have been called up by their respective countries for the upcoming international fixtures, with all three being included in senior squads for the first time.

Nuno Mendes is the youngest player named in the Portugal squad, at just 18 years of age. He has previously represented the country at under-21s level in qualifying matches for Euro 2021. Palhinha has extensive experience in the Portuguese setup at youth level, but last featured for the under-20s in 2015. Both players have received their opportunity as a result of outstanding performances for Sporting CP this season.

Portugal will begin qualifying for the 2022 World Cup with matches on March 24th against Azerbaijan and March 27th against Serbia, followed by a meeting with Luxembourg.

Pedro Porro received recognition for his excellent season with his first involvement in the senior national team for Spain. Coach Luis Enrique will run the rule over the right back in Spain's games against Greece, Georgia and Kosovo in World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

Porro has won various individual awards for his showings in Liga NOS this season, since joining Sporting CP last summer. He has prior experience with Spain at under-21s level.

João Palhinha on the coming campaign

"It is always nice to be back", said João Palhinha in a short conversation with the Sporting Journal this week after his pre-season medical.

Ready to get back to training after the end of season break, Palhinha affirmed: "I am looking forward to the pre-season and I want to be in the best shape possible when the season starts. Every year we look to win every competition we are in and the squad is ready. Everyone has a real drive to win and that will only grow with the work we will put in during pre-season."

Alan Ruiz and João Palhinha

Sporting Clube de Portugal's medical department has released the following clinical information:

Alan Ruiz
Injury to ligaments in left knee
Expected recover time: 6 to 8 weeks

João Palhinha
Myalgia in right adductor muscles
Specific training

Alvalade trio ready for action after return from loan spells

Francisco Geraldes, João Palhinha and Daniel Podence all spoke with Sporting TV this weekend, looking ahead to the weekend's visit to Moreirense after spending spells out on loan.

Geraldes and Podence made their return to the Portuguese capital in January, after six months with with weekend's opposition. "Moreirense have a good team and you can see that from the fact that they won the League Cup. I can give the lads some tips on what to do because I was there, but the most important thing is how they paly as a team", affirmed the midfielder, backed up by the winger: "I am sure it will be a hard match. I know the Moreirense team well and they are a quality side. We will have to give it everything. We can't start thinking it will be easy, because a shirt doesn't win games."

João Palhinha was also in the service of Moreirense last season and is looking for Sporting CP to get back to winning form this weekend: "In the dressing room we all know it won't be easy. We will have to improve one some things from how we played against FC Porto, but we have been working hard during the week and I am sure we will respond well."

João Palhinha highlights the support given by Jorge Jesus

João Palhinha has been attracting the limelight since his return to Alvalade and introduction into first team action, alongside fellow Sporting CP Academy graduates Gelson Martins, Matheus Pereira, Francisco Geraldes, Rúben Semedo and Daniel Podence. 

João Palhinha loaned to Belenenses for the 2016/17 season

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement for the loan of João Palhinha for the 2016/17 season, with no option for a permanent transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes João Palhinha the best of personal and professional success.

Organised Fan Group holds birthday lunch

The Organised Fan Group Directivo Ultras XXI held a birthday lunch this Saturday to celebrate their 14th anniversary. Repaying the dedication shown by the club's fans during what was a record-breaking season in terms of spectator numbers, coach Jorge Jesus was in attendance, along with youth player João Palhinha, futsal goalkeeper Gonçalo Portugal and handball winger Pedro Solha.