The ink is dry at Sporting headquarters. Ricardo Mangas, a dynamic 27-year-old left-sided player from Portugal, officially joined the Lisbon club this Thursday. He arrives from Spartak Moscow, a Russian team. His new contract ties him to Sporting until 2029. Should another club wish to acquire his services before then, they’d need to meet a hefty 60-million-euro release clause.
Speaking to the club’s own media channels, Mangas didn’t hide his excitement. He called the offer “impossible” to turn down. This wasn’t just about joining any team. It was a chance to play for the reigning back-to-back national champions. He also mentioned another key factor: reuniting with coach Rui Borges, who previously managed him at V. Guimarães.
“How could I say no?” Mangas reportedly shared with a grin. “It’s an incredible opportunity to represent the national champions.” He stressed the importance of his relationship with Borges. “He’s someone who knows me extremely well. I understand him equally well, and we’ve always gotten along splendidly,” Mangas explained. He then brought it back to the bigger picture, adding, “But above all else, it’s Sporting. As I said, it’s the back-to-back national champions.”
This story is still developing, with more details likely to emerge as Mangas settles into his new home.