Renato Sanches left Benfica and made a switch to Bayern Munich in 2016 and the midfielder struggled under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance in his debut season at the Allianz Arena.
The Italian coach’s former assistant, Paul Clement, took charge at Swansea City in 2017 and he signed the Portuguese international on a season-long loan deal last summer.
Sanches continued his poor form at the Liberty Stadium as he managed only 704 minutes for the Welsh club in the league. We reported in June that the Portuguese international’s future at the club was unresolved at Bayern, but he finally ended up staying at the club.
Under the guidance of new coach, Niko Kovac, the 21-year-old started his first game of the campaign against his former club in the Champions League and the midfielder got his name on the scoresheet.
The Bundesliga winners’ chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is delighted with Sanches’ display in his side’s 2-0 victory over Benfica following two difficult seasons with Bayern and the English outfit.
“…we all looked forward to Renato Sanches. Renato did not have easy times with us and last year at Swansea,” Sport Bild quoted Rummenigge as saying.
“I think it’s great that the coach gave him the opportunity to play in his old home. He used the chance bravely, played very well, even made the 2-0.
“What makes us all happy was his gesture after the goal, that he did not cheer, but also that his old fans from Benfica celebrated him. That was a big gesture! He deserves that. Congratulations!”
