Rui Patrício’s departure from Sporting has obviously not been just a regular transfer.
After being one of the players who were attacked at the Alcochete training centre, the goalkeeper rescinded his contract with the club, and was the first and only (so far) to join another side when signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Patrício has done the whole process without saying a word, and today he’s finally explained himself to Sporting fans in an Instagram post.
The goalkeeper claims he left Sporting “not for lack of feelings, nor for lack of valid arguments, but, out of respect for Sporting Clube de Portugal and its supporters.”
“Until the time of my recision, my continuity had become untenable, as it jeopardised my professional productivity before my club, and for that reason, I would never be able to exercise my professional activity at Sporting,” he writes.
Sporting fans still have mixed reactions about the transfer. Just like there are supporters who are in favour and against the former president Bruno de Carvalho, the same goes to Patrício’s situation and his move to Wolves.
Some fans say that Patrício has been a ‘traitor’ for leading a rebellion that ended up harming the club. Others understand his actions, and will welcome him in case he returns to Alvalade one day.
Premier League players Cedric Soares and Eric Dier are among those who showed support to the goalkeeper in the comments section.