The club captain talks to the media

Morten Hjulmand spoke in the pre-match press conference for the Taça de Portugal, and explained what he expects from the game.

The importance of winning the Taça de Portugal
“Of course, our main objective was to win the league, but we didn't manage it. So, now, the focus is on winning this cup and finishing the season well.”

Sporting CP being favourites
“In general, when we talk about finals, it's difficult to say there's a favourite. It's difficult to say who is the favourite to win the Champions League, and tomorrow's final as well. We analysed SCU Torreense and the season they had, and we have a lot of respect for them. They played well against Casa Pia AC, they are fighting to get promoted to the top flight and they have all our respect. I think it will be a difficult game. It's a final and anything can happen, even if they are a team from the second tier.”

What to expect from SCU Torreense
“First of all, I want to say that in the Taça de Portugal this season we've had some difficulties, first with Paços de Ferreira FC, then CD Santa Clara and AVS. Therefore, we know that it could be equally difficult to play against SCU Torreense, especially because of the players they have up front. We know it won't be easy.”

His third final at Jamor for Morten Hjulmand
“I wasn't lucky enough to train on Tuesday. For me, Jamor is special, even if I'm not Portuguese. The atmosphere, the tradition, with the fans arriving in the morning, drinking beer, eating barbecue and socializing during the day. It's a fantastic tradition, I hope it continues, even if the stadium is a bit old. Unfortunately, I didn't win the first year I played there. The second year I did, and now my main objective is to win again.”

His injury in the final stretch of the season
“It was very difficult for me, not being able to help the team. I couldn't do it, I was working on my recovery, but we have to be honest, they weren't our best games. It wasn't easy watching the home games against AVS and CD Tondela. The games against Vitória SC and Gil Vicente FC demonstrated the quality of the team.”

Whether he will play
“I trained today and it went well, but the decision is up to the coach. He decides who will play tomorrow.”

It possibly being his last game for Sporting CP
“I think right now is not the right time to talk about my future. Our focus has to be on Sporting CP and on tomorrow, because we haven't won any trophies this season yet. I'll talk about my future after the end of the season. Being associated with such a big club as Real Madrid is a great honour, but I have a contract with Sporting CP, I have all the respect and also love for this club. So, based on that, my focus is on tomorrow's game. Rumours are part of the game, but I don’t think it will affect tomorrow’s game. After that, we’ll talk about my future. The same applies to other players. We know that Morita and Quenda won’t stay and we want to have a good ending for them here at Sporting CP.”

The end of his partnership with Morita
“I enjoyed all the games I played with him. I think the games speak for themselves, as does the way the fans said goodbye to him at Alvalade. It was special, you could see that he was touched by it and very emotional. It’s normal: He’s been here for five years, his children were born here. It won’t be easy to say goodbye to him after being part of his life for three years. We saw each other almost every day, except on vacation, and I’m going to miss him.”