The midfielder speaks about his 150 games for the club

Hidemasa Morita recently reached the milestone of 150 games for Sporting Clube de Portugal. In a conversation with the club's official media, the Japanese midfielder spoke about this symbolic moment and his time at Alvalade so far.

150 games for Sporting CP
"It's incredible. I knew I was close to 150 games, but I hadn't realised it was going to happen in a game against FC Porto. It was very special. I'm very happy, even more so because we won the game at the Estádio José Alvalade. It was a great day."

His first impressions upon arriving at Sporting CP
"I immediately realised it was a huge club. When I was at CD Santa Clara, my goal was to come to this club, and it happened. I remember the first day well."

What it means to play for Sporting CP
"It's a huge pleasure. Being here and playing for this club is incredible."

His first goal scored, against Gil Vicente FC
"Nuno [Santos] tried to shoot and ended up setting me up. I only had to touch the ball to tap it in. I was very happy. The goal itself wasn't anything special, but it's a very good memory. I'll never forget that day."

The atmosphere around the team
"Many players say that this club is not just a club, it's a family. I have no doubt about that. I feel it every day."

The trophies won at the club
"The second league title was even better than the first."

Winning the Taça de Portugal
"It wasn't an easy game - it never is when we play against SL Benfica. The stadium at Jamor is very traditional, it had a special atmosphere and it was a different experience. But we managed to win the cup. I had never won that trophy before, so it was another very special moment."

Friendships in the dressing room
"I have a good relationship with everyone. Today, for example, I plan to have lunch with Zeno [Debast] and Iván [Fresneda]. I love them and feel very comfortable with them."

The celebrations at Marquês de Pombal
"For me, the best moment was when we arrived at Marquês. There were a lot of green lights and an incredible atmosphere. It was a very long night and I couldn't party the whole time [laughs]. Many times I sat on the ground, absorbing everything and applauding."

What Sporting CP represent
"As I said, this club is a family. I can say that from the bottom of my heart. This club is part of me."

Living in Portugal
"I feel very comfortable here. I've been in Portugal for five or six years now and I really enjoy living here. The people are very friendly. Whenever I go to a shopping centre or somewhere else, Sporting CP fans, and even fans of other clubs, come over to talk to me and greet me. I really like the people and also the food. Everything is perfect."

Portuguese food
"I really like pasteis de nata. I even told my wife that when I go back to Japan, maybe I'll open a restaurant selling them there."

His favourite dishes
"Cod isn't really my favourite type of food, but I really like seafood, fish and rice. It's very good."

What he misses most about Japan
"Probably my family. I also often go to Japanese restaurants to eat ramen or sushi."

A message for Sporting CP fans
"Thank you for always supporting us. I feel that we all fight together and that we stand side by side. Even when we don't play well, the fans always support us and spur us on. I just want to say thank you. Let's continue together until the end."