The defender assesses preseason

The Estádio José Alvalade hosts first team football this Saturday, as Sporting CP play the 14th edition of the Troféu Cinco Violinos against AS Monaco.

Ahead of the match, defender Iván Fresneda admitted to missing playing at home during this 70-day absence.

"It seems like a long time has passed since the last game at Alvalade. The whole team are eager to play with the fans in the stands and to get back out on the pitch. We are very happy to be back," he began by saying on Friday.

"Sporting CP have always been a family since the first day I arrived, and that doesn't change now. The new players are fully integrated into the team. I think they're enjoying it as much as we are, and it's been a great preseason for everyone. The most important thing is the family atmosphere that the club have. All the players who arrive know what Sporting CP are all about, and it takes them very little time to integrate. It's something incredible that happens here," affirmed Fresneda, who also offered high praise for his compatriot Sergi Altimira.

"I'm very happy to have another Spaniard on the team. He's a great friend of mine, and I already consider him more of a friend than a teammate. He's really enjoying Lisbon, the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, and being here with us. I think he'll be very happy during the season," he revealed.

Now fully recovered from the injury that sidelined him for a spell last season, Fresneda guaranteed he is "100% and ready to play."

"The team have been playing very well this summer. We are preparing very well. These games don't give us any points, but they matter to us and to the team's morale. We have to continue like this," he emphasised.

Finally, the defender reinforced the importance of the Troféu Cinco Violinos, a competition which occupies a special place for the club.

"It's a very important trophy for the club and for us too. Everyone knows it's a game that we have to win. We are very happy to return to Alvalade," he concluded.