The coach talks about his departure to Manchester United from November 11th

After Sporting CP earned their tenth triumph in as many Liga Portugal games, coach Rúben Amorim spoke in his press conference not only about the 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora, but also about his move to Manchester United that had been announced earlier that day.

“I didn't really like our performance today. We had some good moments, but not the fluidity we usually have. We lacked speed, passing quality and depth, which is something that we will suffer a lot with against Manchester City FC”.

Amorim revealed that Gonçalo Inácio was substituted at halftime due to an injury to his leg, and summed up the victory by saying “We won 5-1 and moved on, getting closer towards our goal”.

He had promised clarifications regarding the possibility of moving to Manchester United by Friday, and addressed the official announcement of his departure from Sporting CP in response to questions from journalists.

“At the beginning of the season I had a conversation with the president and Hugo Viana and I said that, regardless of whatever happened, this was going to be my last season at Sporting CP. We started very well this season and then Manchester United came in for me. They paid above the amount set for my release clause and the president of Sporting CP defended the club's interests. I never argued about anything with the president regarding the negotiations. The only thing I asked during the process was that it take place at the end of the season”.

“I spent three days asking for this, but I was told it wasn’t possible. It was now or never, otherwise they would look for another option. I had three days to decide something that radically changes my life," continued Amorim, in addition to confiding that this “is neither the first or second time that a club were willing to pay the release clause”.

“I reached my fifth year at Sporting CP and I had to make a choice. The current context at Manchester United makes this something extremely challenging”.

 “After Sporting CP, I wanted that. I want this context, because it allows me to do things my way and for the club to believe in me that way. It's just like Sporting CP. I have to take steps forward in my career and it was harder for me than any other Sportinguista to leave. I knew that if I rejected Manchester United, in seven months' time I wouldn’t have that option available, and I knew that at the end of the season I was going to leave Sporting CP. I could have felt a sense of regret that would be difficult to deal with. Between the disappointment of all Sportinguistas and taking risks in my career, or waiting for the end of the season and not having the only club that I wanted to join as an option, I had to decide. So I decided”.

He insisted that the move was not financially motivated, commenting that “I would have earned three times more with the last club that wanted to pay my buyout clause”.

“I gave everything I had for the club and it was a huge source of pride. It's hard for me to leave here, as I'm very comfortable and I'm very happy”.

Amorim's departure will only be made during the next international break, on November 11th, and until then he will coach Sporting CP in games against Manchester City FC (at home) and SC Braga (away).

“I have to do what Sporting CP decide. I prefer it this way, as everyone gets a chance to do things cleanly and I don't leave the players hanging. That was a big concern. So it gives us a window to tie up everything, and I know this team better than anyone to prepare them for both games. They are very important games, especially against Braga. I am happy to do it, and I’m focused on what we have to do”.

Continuing to talk about his decision, Amorim did not hide the fact that he changed his mind “several times” and also revealed how his players reacted.

“There was no revolt amongst them, but they were sad and anxious. It feels like there is a different atmosphere. We create a lot of relationships with the players and, therefore, it is difficult. I think there is no way to hide the disappointment”.

Furthermore, the coach also confirmed that he will take members of his coaching staff with him to England, although without specifying exactly who.

“I’ll take my guys there. That was always one of the conditions. I brought them from Casa Pia AC and we’re going to maintain that group”, he said.

Afterwards, Rúben Amorim discussed how fans have reacted to his imminent move, highlighting that Sporting CP “was the best time” of his life.

 “I understand the disappointment of the fans and them being divided between being happy about what we did together and now disappointed with us leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic. The applause from the crowd when I came out for the game surprised me a little tonight”.

“The club will move forward and will continue to win. It wasn’t the coach who provided this, it was everyone here who gave this stability. The club improved in all areas, as did the squad. Everything here has improved. We created a family here, we launched the careers of a lot of players. It feels like I'm saying goodbye, but there are still two games to go that we want to win”, he concluded.