The striker speaks from the Algarve

Before training session at Sporting Clube de Portugal’s camp in the Algarve, Rafael Nel answered questions from the media -beginning by talking about the work done this preseason.

"I think it's been a good training camp. We have a few more friendlies to play, and we'll try to come out on top in them," he said.

The striker expressed that "I have already been well integrated into the group since the end of the 2025/26 season, and I don’t feel that much has changed. The work continues, as do the objectives. I will do my best this season, as I always do.”

"If I want to play and be involved, I have to work as hard as possible. I see the large presence of players from the Sporting CP academy in the first team training sessions as a positive. It's very good for our development and demonstrates a lot about what the Sporting CP Academy is all about. Besides them, we have many players who can show their worth," he said.

"When I was on the B team last year, I already felt that -sooner or later- many would come here during preseason. I've been in their place and they are making the most of the opportunity," he added.

Regarding the returns of Maxi Araújo and Rodrigo Zalazar to preseason training, the 21-year-old commented that he was very pleased.

"We welcomed them both. It's a joy to see Maxi, whom I hadn't seen for a long time and who did very well in the World Cup. As for Rodrigo, we're getting to know him now and I like him a lot."

Asked who will wear the captain's armband in 2026/27, Nel underlined that "it's the coach's decision. We have many players with that profile, and we are well covered in that respect."

"Departures always have some impact, but Sporting CP remain the same club, with the same ideas and objectives. Whoever comes in adapts to the club," he emphasised.