Former Karat star Leo appeals to Kazahs to come out in force

Leo was the player to join Nuno Dias in the pre-match press conference ahead of the UEFA Futsal Cup final this weekend, which will see Sporting CP take on Inter Movistar in the city where Leo reached stardom.

"I hope that the two titles I won with Kairat will help us have a great final and we are feeling confident. This will be a different match with different challenges, but hopefully we will be just as happy at the end and hopefully I personally will be as happy with Sporting CP as I was with Kairat in this situation. I would really like to see the Kazakh people come out and support us, for Sporting CP and for me."

Although representing Alvalade, Leo continues to be a legend in Almaty

Leo took a moment to speak with the press after his side's UEFA Futsal Cup semi-final win this Friday, after receiving a memorable reception from the home crowd.

"We played really well against the European champion. We defended well against their strengths and they didn't know what to do. We took advantage of our opportunities and I really think we deserve to be in the final. We have been working hard since the start of the season to get where we are now. I thought we stood firm in defence."

Speaking about a fantastic applause from the home crowd, Leo added: "It was great. To play in front of the fans here and for them to show much love for me and Sporting CP was something I really wanted to happen."

Alvalade recent arrival to representKazakhstan in Colombia

Considered the 4th best player in the world in 2014, Sporting's new signing Léo da Rosa Mendonça will represent Kazakhstan at the Futsal Mundialito, form the 10th of September to the 2nd of October in Colombia.

Léo is at Alvalade on a loan deal from Kairat Almaty and also features in the Kazakhstan squad for a series ofr friendly matches in Thailand in August.