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."

Players put through their paces ahead of first session on the pitch

Pre-season preparations continued this Wednesday, with another group of players being put through their paces at the CUF Clinic for the usual medical tests.

Gelson Martins, Coates, Barcos, Matheus Pereira and Ruiz (Frederico and Alan) were the first to show their stuff on Tuesday, followed by Ewerton, Wallyson, Stojkovic, Teo Gutiérrez and Aquilani.

In the afternoon session, Ryan Gauld, Francisco Geraldes, Daniel Podence, Guilherme Oliveira and Luís Maximiano (youth team goalkeeper) also underwent their respective medical checks.

Matheus Pereira takes aim at the coming campaign

More motivated than ever. That is how Matheus Pereira is shaping up for the coming season, speaking in an interview after his medical with the club's official health partner, CUF.

“This season will be better. We are all really focused. I rested well and made the most of my holidays. I feel ready to start the season", affirmed the young winger in an interview with the Sporting Journal after his medical this week, adding: "I was missing the fans, because they really get behind us. We always miss our home and I want to get back into the stadium with the fans."

Iuri Medeiros returns to Sporting and is hunting for a place in Jorge Jesus' squad

After a loan spell with Moreirense last season, Iuri Medeiros proved overjoyed with his return to Alvalade this week and has promised to battle for a place in Jorge Jesus' squad.

"I am happy to be back and now I will work hard", said the 21-year old winger, adding: "I want to be part of the group and I will do my best to get into the team. Some of the players aren't back yet but I have had the opportunity to spend some time with the lads and it is nice to catch up with my friends."

João Pereira eager to get the new champaign underway

The pre-season campaign is normally a tough spell for any player after a long break, but not for João Pereira, with the wingback in great shape and eager to get the action underway.

“I was missing this, missing being with the lads for breakfast, for lunch...it is something you get used to and you miss it during the holidays. Thank fully the new season is starting", said the defender after his medial exam this week, adding: "We want to be champions and we will play in every competition to win."

2016/17 campaign gets underway with the usual trip to the medical room

The pre-season officially got underway this week for Sporting CP, but neither a pitch or a ball were anywhere to be seen.

A group of players back from the summer break were at the Alvalade and Infante Santo CUF Clinics with the club's official health partner, to undergo their standard pre-season checks.

João Pereira, Marvin Zeegelaar, Tobias Figueiredo, André Geraldes, Bruno César and Iuri Medeiros were the first to take the physical tests, followed by Coates, Barcos, Matheus Pereira and the brothers Alan and Federico Ruiz.

Paulo Oliveira, Rúben Semedo, Schelotto, Jefferson, João Palhinha and goalkeeper Azbe Jug joined the group in the afternoon, along with Carlos Mané, Bruno Paulista, Ricardo Esgaio, Naldo and Spalvis.