Football in Portugal has returned, and Sporting played their second match on Friday evening.
They beat Paços de Ferreira 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jovane, and the 22 year old responded to his strike by copying Bruno Fernandes’ traditional Sporting celebration.
Moving to Manchester United in the January transfer window, after a long and complicated saga, the midfielder has been an instant hit. He was at times a one man team for the Lisbon club, and will long be remembered fondly at Sporting.
That’s not just from the club’s fans, with young players like Jovane grateful for the advice and encouragement they’ve received, and continue to receive, from Fernandes.
Asked about dedicating his goal to the Manchester United player, Jovane is quoted by Record as saying: “After scoring, I made the gesture that Bruno did, because he gave me a lot of encouragement before the game, just for that. He’s a friend.
“I can dedicate the goal to Bruno, because he always gave me a lot of encouragement, but I owe the goal to the whole team.”
Jovane has had serious struggles with injury this season, and finally got a run of games after Bruno Fernandes had already left for Manchester United. Now he’s finding prominence within the team, and will be one of the players Sporting look towards in the coming season.
