The final whistle blows, and Ângelo Girão’s teammates surround him, tears streaming down their faces. The opponents from FC Porto, some of whom are his teammates on the national team, line up to pay their respects. Girão, the beloved goalkeeper, tries to speak, but his emotions get the better of him.
A few minutes later, Girão composes himself, his voice still shaking. He thanks the fans and the club for an unforgettable 11-year journey. “I don’t have words to describe everything I’ve experienced at Sporting,” he says. “I’m eternally grateful to these people. I owe everything to Sporting and its fans. I’ll never forget them, and I’ll always be grateful.”
Girão’s eyes well up again as he reflects on the game. “I feel frustrated. We were clearly better in the five matches, but we didn’t have a bit of luck.” He congratulates FC Porto on their win, acknowledging that his friends on the opposing team deserved it.
The goalkeeper looks back on a difficult season, marked by countless injuries. “We did what was possible, despite the adversities. It’s inexplicable what happened to our team this season, but we stuck together and moved forward. We’re at peace, knowing we gave it our all until the end.” Girão’s voice cracks as he thanks the Sporting family for their support.
A legacy of success
Girão’s departure marks the end of an era at Sporting. During his 11-year tenure, the team won numerous titles, including two Continental Cups, three European Leagues, one CERS Cup, two National Championships, one Portuguese Cup, and one Supercup. Girão also won a European Championship with Portugal in 2016 and a World Championship in 2019.
A tribute from the fans
- 2 Continental Cups
- 3 European Leagues
- 1 CERS Cup
- 2 National Championships
- 1 Portuguese Cup
- 1 Supercup
As Girão bids farewell, the fans and his teammates will remember him as a dedicated player who gave his all to the club. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Sporting players.