“The team are prepared, as always," say the pair

Nuno Santos and Ricardo Esgaio spoke to journalists this week, as they continue to train at the Academia Sporting during the international break.

The two players explained the confidence and the good atmosphere that abounds in the squad, before a series of five games that will take place before the end of October.

“The team are prepared, as always. We have a fantastic group that are ready for adversity. As always, we are taking things game by game: In the Champions League, in Liga Portugal and in the cups,” said Santos, adding: “First we have a game against CF “Os Belenenses” in the Taça de Portugal. We respect our opponents, but it's a game that we have to win and gain confidence from, so that we can then move on to the Champions League, where we will face Besiktas JK with the greatest motivation."

“We have a small group, but with a lot of quality and we are even stronger this year. We are prepared for what is to come,” he continued.

Focused on the team and on Sporting CP's objectives, the winger had been praised recently for his performance and goal against FC Arouca.

“It was another goal and an important victory, but it represents only that. It was, above all, another victory -and the group needed that for morale. I like to play and I want to help the team."

Esgaio, who usually plays on the wing, has already been played in the centre of the defence due to absences for other candidates, but is willing to adapt. “Everyone knows me as a player. I will occupy any position to help the team achieve its goals," he insisted.

“We have had a quiet week, in which we were able to recover and get ready for what is to come. However, with our coach you never get a chance to take things easy; even if there is no competition, he likes to keep the intensity levels up and doesn't let the team relax. That's how we have been working to return to action with high motivation and fitness.

The defender also spoke of Pedro Gonçalves' return, saying that “Sporting CP needs everyone, and Pote is a great asset."

Esgaio, who has come back to the club after four seasons away, revealed that he found “a different Sporting CP” on his return, and was pleased to be able to have the support of Sportinguistas in the stands.

“It has been fantastic to play in front of them. Their support is amazing, as seen in Arouca in the rain. We are grateful for their willingness to help us, and I hope that they will always be with us."

Returning fullback presented as new No.47

Despite having already worked with Rúben Amorim at his previous club, the defender believes that he will receive no special treatment -not least because the coach fields those who work best during the week.

"Any player who is at Sporting CP deserves to play. We know that under Rúben Amorim those who work well, play, whether they are Player A, B or C. This is very good, because any player who works well is always prepared to play. There are no individuals who are above the collective, and this was apparent last season. We all start at the same level, and then it's up to the manager to decide. We will all work hard to help the team in the best way," he assured.

Finally, Esgaio addressed the fans, commenting that "I appreciate the fantastic support you have given me in recent days. It has been amazing. Thank you very much."

Jefferson and Ricardo Esgaio

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Sporting Clube de Braga – Futebol, SAD for the temporary loan of Jefferson and the permanent transfer of Ricardo Esgaio, with Sporting CP maintaining 20% of the player's economic rights.

Sporting SAD wishes Jefferson and Ricardo Esgaio the best of personal and professional success.

Tobias Figueiredo, Ricardo Esgaio and Carlos Mané to feature for Portugal in Rio 2016

Rui Jorge announced his squad list for the football competition in the coming Rio 2016 Olympic Games this week. Three Sporting players feature: Ricardo Esgaio, Carlos Mané and Tobias Figueiredo (who is currently with Nacional da Madeira on loan."

Speaking about the squad, Rui Jorge revealed the difficulties faced in putting together a list: "When we picked 35 players, we did so thinking we could put together an ideal squad for the Olympics. With some clubs saying no, we only got 11 of those 35. That has really limited us."

Portugal will play in Group D, along with Argentina, Honduras and Algeria.

Squad list in full:

Goalkeepers: Bruno Varela (V. Setúbal) and Joel Pereira (Manchester United).

Defenders: Edgar Ié (Villarreal), Ricardo Esgaio (Sporting), Tobias Figueiredo (Nacional) and Tiago Ilori (Liverpool).

Midfielders: André Martins (free agent), Bruno Fernandes (Udinese), Fábio Sturgeon (Belenenses), Francisco Ramos (Chaves), Sérgio Oliveira (FC Porto), Tiago Silva (Feirense) and Tomás Podstawski (FC Porto).

Forwards: Carlos Mané (Sporting), Gonçalo Paciência (FC Porto), Nuno Santos (V. Setúbal) and Salvador Agra (Nacional).

Ricardo Esgaio renews until 2022

Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with the athlete Ricardo Esgaio for the renewal of his contract until 2022, with a buy-out clause of 45,000,000.00€.

Sporting SAD wishes Ricardo Esgaio the best of professional and personal success.