The goalkeeper commented on preseason and new arrivals in a chat with Sporting TV

Following their initial medicals and fitness tests, the Sporting Clube de Portugal first team squad made their long-awaited return to the training pitch this week. The players - including new signings such as Zouhair Feddal and Pedro Gonçalves - were put through their paces on Wednesday at the Academia Sporting in Alcochete.

Goalkeeper Luís Maximiano spoke to Sporting TV after the session to talk about the work undertaken.

"We are anxious to get the season started. We want to work hard, and the sooner the preseason games come around, the better for us to get ready," he explained.

"We have a strong group and players who are integrating right now. They have come in to increase the quality of the team, and that's why we are keen to have a good season."

Establishing objectives is standard for this time of year, and Maximiano is no different.

"The first thing that we have to do is get into the Group Stage of the Europa League, but a team like Sporting CP always fight to win every game - and that is what we intend to do."

The shot-stopper also hopes that the club will be able to welcome fans back to their stadium soon, to provide a boost to the players.

"It's always different playing in front of fans at the stadium, and if this happens it will be very positive for us and for those who must be missing coming to the Alvalade. I prefer to play in front of a full Estádio José Alvalade."

Pedro Silva, Luís Maximiano, Pedro Empis, Miguel Luís and Pedro Delgado for Portugal

A total of five Sporting CP players will feature in the Portuguese under-20 squad for the coming World Cup, being held from the 20th of May to the 11th of June in South Korea.

Portugal is in Group C, along with Iran, Zambia and Costa Rica.

Squad list in full:

Goalkeepers: Pedro Silva (SPORTING), Diogo Costa (FC Porto) and Luís Maximiano (SPORTING);

Defenders: Pedro Empis (SPORTING), Diogo Dalot (FC Porto), Yuri Ribeiro (Benfica), Rúben Dias (Benfica), Jorge Fernandes (FC Porto) and Ferro (Benfica);

Midfielders: Pedro Rodrigues (Benfica), Florentino (Benfica), Gedson Fernandes (Benfica), Miguel Luís (SPORTING), Pedro Delgado (SPORTING), Xadas (Sp. Braga), Diogo Gonçalves (Benfica), Buta (Benfica) and Bruno Costa (FC Porto);

Forwards: Alexandre Silva (Vitória de Guimarães), José Gomes (Benfica) and André Ribeiro (Zurich).

Daniel Bragança, Elves Baldé, João Oliveira, Luís Maximiano and Thierry Correia all feature in Portuguese squad

The Portuguese Football Federation has announced its under-18 squad list for a coming encounter with Morocco. Daniel Bragança, Elves Baldé, João Oliveira, Luís Maximiano and Thierry Correia all feature, seeing Alvalade once again dominate the squad.

Thierry Correia, Luís Maximiano, Rafael Leão and Miguel Luís donate their Portugal shirts to the Alvalade museum

Miguel Luís, Rafael Leão, Thierry Correia and Luís Maximiano and the rest of the Sporting CP youth team were at the Sporting Museum this week, for the four to donate their European Championship winning shirts. Accompanying the group was president Bruno de Carvalho and scouting legend Aurélio Pereira.

The players were understandably pleased with the initiative, having earned their place in the Sporting Museum before even reaching the senior squad. "It is an hour to be part of this club. I know that in 100 or even 200 years my shirt will still be here and I couldn't be happier. Hopefully I will be somebody that other players look up to in the future, like I do with the players", said Luís Maximiano, followed in the same tone by Thierry Correia: "I feel really proud. I wasn't expecting this and I really don't know what to say. I want to carry on with the club and to come back with even more trophies."

Rafael Leão also had a big smile on his face, affirming: "I am really happy. This is a huge honour for us and motivates us to carry on putting the work in. I want to win a lot more titles here, starting with the national under-19 title." Last but not least, Miguel Luís highlighted the importance of the initiative: "It is an honour for us. To come here with the president is an honour. I don't feel nervous on the pitch anymore, but I did feel a bit here today."

Sporting CP under-19 coach Tiago Fernandes was also on hand to share his thoughts. "I have been with the lads for six years now, directly or indirectly. They are really strong mentally and they all really to keep on learning. This is the cherry on the top of the cake for what they have achieved", said Fernandes, backed up by Alvalade coaching legend, Aurélio Pereira.

Pedro Silva, Luís Maximiano, Pedro Empis, Pedro Delgado and Ronaldo Tavares feature in Emílio Peixe's list

Sporting CP goalkeepers Pedro Silva and Luís Maximiano, the defender Pedro Empis, midfielder Pedro Delgado and the forward Ronaldo Tavares all feature in the latest Portugal under-20 squad list.

Emílio Peixe's side will take on South Korea on January the 25th of January at 15h00, as part of preparations for World Cup 2017.

Portugal to hold training camp in Rio Maior

Sporting CP will provide a massive 8 players for the national under-19 squad's coming training camp, from the 24th to the 26th of October in Rio Maior.

The 8 are: Abdu Conte, Bruno Paz, Gonçalo Vieira, Luis Maximiano, Miguel Luis, Pedro Ferreira, Pedro Marques and Rafael Leão.

Luís Maximiano looking forward to the season after national youth championship win

“I wasn't expecting it. Everything happened so quick", said Luís Maximiano in an interview this week after his pre-season medical exams, taken back by a surprise call-up to Jorge Jesus' senior squad.

“I couldn't be happier. It is a dream for any player of my age to get into Sporting's senior team and now I will work hard to repay the people who have shown confidence in me", added the 17-year old, finishing: "I would like to follow Rui Patrício's example. He will be with me to help me grow."

Luís Maximiano, Thierry Correia, Miguel Luís and Rafael Leão all featured for Portugal

Portugal is the new European under-17 champion, after beating Spain 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

A total of four Alvalade youngsters featured in the Portuguese squad. Luís Maximiano and defender Thierry Correia featured on the bench for the final, while the midfielder Miguel Luís was introduced after 55 minutes and the forward Rafael Leão after 79 minutes.

The 80 minutes of regulation play were well balanced between the two Iberian outfits. Portugal struck first, courtesy of Diogo Dalot in the 27th minute. However, the advantage didn't last and the Spanish drew level five minutes later. The decisive penalty was taken by Morlanes, who turned his shot against the crossbar.

Portugal gearing up for European Championship

A total of five Sporting players will feature in the preliminary under-17 Portuguese squad for a coming training camp.

Goalkeeper Luís Maximiano, defenders João Oliveira and Thierry Correia, midfielder Miguel Luís and Rafael Leão are the five who will be under the command of coach Sousa on the 25th of April to the 1st of May.

Portugal will tak part in Group A of this year's European Championships, along with Azerbeijan, Scotland and Belgium.