The Under-21s international goalkeeper will be part of the squad for 2021/22

João Virgínia has become the latest addition to Sporting Clube de Portugal's squad for 2021/22, joining on loan from Everton FC until the end of the season. The Portuguese Under-21 international signed his contract alongside Frederico Varandas, president of the Board of Directors of Sporting CP, and expressed his satisfiaction with the move.

"I'm really happy to be able to represent this club. Returning to Portugal was one of my goals, so when I learned that Sporting CP were interested I was very happy, and wanted to come right away," said Virgínia, who has been in England since 2015.

"There is a lot of competitiveness in the group and this is perfect," he added, also addressing the compliments paid to him by coach Rúben Amorim in his most recent press conference.

"It's always good to be praised," said the 21-year-old. "Now I'll have to prove it every day in training and in games."

The chance to work closely with Jorge Vital and Tiago Ferreira, Os Leões' experienced goalkeeping coaches, is another of the attractions of the club for João Virgínia. "When the opportunity to come to Sporting CP came up, I thought it would be excellent to work with them. I will give everything for Sporting CP."

João Virgínia left Portugal in 2015, when he departed SL Benfica for Arsenal FC. In 2018/2019 he moved to Everton FC, being loaned out the following season to Reading FC. Last season, he made his debut for the Everton FC first team, enjoying minutes in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.

At international level he  - along with Rúben Vinagre - is part of the 'class of 1999' generation that won the Under-17 (2016) and Under-19 (2018) European Championships.