Sporting shotstopper claims UEFA nomination after stunning final display

Sporting and Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patrício has been named by UEFA as the Euro 2016 Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The choice was made using a special algorithm developed for monitoring performance and official statistics.

The award actually comes as no surprise, after Patrício's penalty save against Poland in the semi-finals and a string of brilliant saves against France on Sunday night.

RUI PEDRO DOS SANTOS PATRÍCIO

Goalkeeper, 28 years old

Arrived at Sporting CP aged 11

Youth titles: National under-19, under-17 (2) and under-15 champion

Sporting B appearances: 0

Sporting A appearances: 373

Senior Titles: 2 Portuguese Cups (2008 and 2015), 2 Super Cups (2008 and 2015) and one European Championship (2016)

11 million celebrate a title years in the making at the Sporting Academy

The Portuguese national team won Euro 2016 this Sunday afternoon, beating France on home soil in a game that brought back memories of the loss in the final in Portugal against Greece 12 years ago.

The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, guaranteed at the end of the match that tomorrow the 23 heroes would be received into the country's Order of Merit with the highest distinction, recognising: "acts or services worthy of merit, undertaken in any public or private role, or which show abnegation in favour of the collective."

To all of the players, technical and medical staff, football federations and everybody who is part of the national team: thank you.

Serbian enjoying his time at Alvalade so far

Radosav Petrovic is one of Sporting's most exciting signings in what has been a busy summer transfer window and the 27-year old couldn't be happier with the quality of hsi new squad. Speaking exclusively with Sporting TV after Saturday's training session, the midfielder reflected on his time in Lisbon so far.

"It was my first training session, so I am a bit tired. It is normal. We are at the start of pre-season, but the two weeks we have done so far have been excellent. The most important thing is that we keep up the pace now and I feel great. The players have made me feel really welcome and I am really happy with everyone. We have great facilities here now and it is up to us to put the work in."

The Serbian international went on to reveal what Jorge Jesus had already shared with him: "I am still at the beginning. The coach showed me what he wants me to do in my position. I am trying to take on everything, so that I am ready for the start of the season. Today we trained with the B team and it was important for us to iron out any mistakes. I see a lot of quality in the squad, with four in the Portuguese national tam right now. There are a lot of really talented young players here and the atmosphere is great."

Slimani, Podence and Spalvis in top form with two goals each

The squad had their first kick around of the pre-season this Saturday morning, in a session pitting the senior team against the B team in a match that finished with 10 goals.

After getting his players warmed up, Jorge Jesus fez put out his first XI of the season. After 60 minutes of action on what was an exceptionally warm day, the Sporting coach rang the changes and it wasn't long before Slimani, Podence and Spalvis had put the result to bed.

Jorge Jesus with a squad of 32 for the 8th pre-season session

The squad were back out on the pitch this week for what was their 8th pre-season training session of the pre-season.

The session also gave the players a chance to wish Alberto Aquilani happy birthday, with the Italian even being presented a cake by his teammates! Meanwhile Wallyson is being introduced to full training after recovering from injury.

Squad in full:

Azbe Jug, Vladimir Stojkovic, Guilherme Oliveira, Luís Maximiano, João Pereira, Ezequiel Schelotto, Ricardo Esgaio, André Geraldes, Sebastián Coates, Paulo Oliveira, Ewerton, Naldo, Rúben Semedo, Jefferson, Marvin Zeegelaar, Bruno Paulista, Radosav Petrovic, João Palhinha, Ryan Gauld, Alberto Aquilani, Federico Ruiz, Bruno César, Carlos Mané, Daniel Podence, Gelson Martins, Matheus Pereira, Iuri Medeiros, Alan Ruiz, Bryan Ruiz, Lukas Spalvis, Hernán Barcos and Islam Slimani.

Bruno de Carvalho in radio interview with TSF on Portugal's Euro 2016 campaign

Sporting's mention in the conversation about the origins of current Portuguese national side if unavoidable. Speaking with TSF about the nation's run to the Euro 2016 final, which has no fewer than 10 players in the squad which were produced by the club's youth system, Bruno de Carvalho highlighted the importance of Alvalade in every age group.

“I have believed we would do well from the start. We didn't get off to a brilliant start, but football can be like that. It is in moments like that where we see a person's true character and the talent of the team. I prepared everything to go to the final on the 11th of July and I will be there", opened the Sporting president, adding: "As a Portuguese, I am really happy for the entire squad. as the president of Sporting Clube de Portugal, although I look at the national team as a whole, I have to mention that the under-21 team reached the final with a team of 11 players that had 8 from Sporting. On the 11th of July 2016, we had 10 players in the senior squad, which means we have contributed a total of 18 players. There is no comparison to that."

Rui Patrício, Adrien Silva, William Carvalho and João Mário have been near permanent features in the team and Bruno de Carvalho couldn't be prouder: "When you have players of that quality, it is normal. We were prepared for this. Of course this opens us up to bids for players, but we want them with us. The lads deserve this for the work they have put in and I am sure it is something they have wanted for a long time. I don't mind who we play against to be honest. Both teams are really strong and Portugal will have to show collective quality."

Statement on the end of André Martins' contract with the club

Sporting CP informs that its contract with the player André Martins came to an end on the 30th of June and was not extended.

The club would like to highlight the player's professional attitude for the 13 years during which he was with the club, winning a total of eight titles: Portuguese Cup and Honour Cup with the senior team, two under-19 National Championships; one under-17 National Championship and one under-15 National Championship; one under-17 District Championship and one under-15 Direct Championship.

André Martins is an example of which Sporting CP is extremely proud to have trained at the best school in the country and one of the best in the world. The player is an example in terms of sports performance, as well as his behaviour and principles for both club and country.

Sporting CP wishes André Martins the best of personal and professional success.

Sporting SAD statement regarding the loan of the player Fidel Escobar

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Sporting San Miguelito for the loan of the Panamanian international Fidel Escobar for the current sports season, with an option for a permanent transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes the player the best of professional and personal success.

Sporting CP Communications Director highlights Argentinean club's attitude regarding Jonathan Silva

Sporting's Director of Communications, Nuno Saraiva, has used his Facebook page to praise Boca Juniors for their stance in relation to the player Jonathan Silva.

"Only a great sports and human club like Boca Juniors takes a stand against the lies that come from a campaign of defamation. The relationship between our clubs is excellent and we make an effort to keep it that way with the clubs that we work with on a daily basis, both in terms of strategic relationships and in terms of issues related to players, as well as in relation to Europe's governing bodies where we are one of the most active clubs in making proposals for the good of football and sportsmanship."

Sporting Clube de Portugal - Futebol, SAD statement on Hadi Sacko

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Leeds United Association Football Club for the loan of the player Hadi Sacko for the 2016/17 season, with an option for a permanent transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes Hadi Sacko the best of personal and professional success.