Sporting CP is experiencing a time of great emotions, and Nuno Santos, one of the most charismatic players in the squad, does not hide his determination and love for the club. After a painful defeat in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Bodo/Glimt, where the lion lost 0-3, Nuno did not hesitate to state: “Count on me, I still have much more to give.” This strong commitment reflects not only his character but also his resilient journey in the world of football.
Nuno Santos, who recently reached 200 appearances for Sporting, is a symbol of perseverance and dedication. At 31 years old, the winger returned to competition in February after a long recovery of 15 months due to a serious injury to his right knee. This historic milestone is not just a number; it is a testament to effort and overcoming challenges, and Nuno does not hesitate to share what it means to him. “It symbolizes a lot. A journey of much effort and dedication, with good and less good phases, but I keep everything very well in my mind. People and teammates very different from the first year until now, in my sixth season, also coaches, but without a doubt it was a big step in my career.”
Throughout his six seasons at the club, Nuno has experienced ups and downs, but each moment has contributed to his growth. “It’s difficult. When I talk about tough moments, it was the injury because the rest are learning experiences, like when we fail to be champions or win titles. So, in one word: dream.” Sporting is not just a club for Nuno; it is a true family. “It means a lot because I came here a long time ago, and my family is also very happy here. I live for Sporting; it is my second family, although in reality, it is my first every day because that is where I spend the most time. It was a very good step in my career, and I am very happy here.”
The atmosphere in the locker room is another aspect that Nuno highlights with enthusiasm. “From the beginning, the locker room was created to achieve what we have done up to today. It’s a family, all rowing in the same direction and behind the same goal, which is to put Sporting where it deserves to be.” This spirit of unity and camaraderie is crucial for the success of the group, and Nuno feels a duty to instill this mentality in the younger players. “I feel and like to feel that responsibility. What I always pass on to them is to never tire of winning, always, every day.”
Recovering from such a serious injury is no easy task, but Nuno reveals that the strength he found at the Academy and among his teammates was crucial. “It was 15 months during which everyone here was very important to me. I was the first to arrive and the last to leave, and I can only be grateful because without the people at Sporting and the Academy, nothing would have been possible.” His return to the pitch, especially in high-stakes matches like the recent one against Aves SAD, is something Nuno celebrates with pride. “That was what marked me the most. I would also mention the one against Bodo/Glimt because coming back after so much suffering and managing to make history at Sporting, with the progression to the quarter-finals after a negative result, was very good for us.”
When asked about the most significant moments of his career at Sporting, Nuno does not hesitate: “Without a doubt, number one is the first championship title after so many years. Then, my first day here at Sporting, when I signed, and the year of the double.” The goal that meant the most to him is also a source of pride: “The first in the UEFA Champions League, but also my first for Sporting.”
With an unwavering spirit and a burning passion for Sporting, Nuno Santos promises to continue giving his best on the pitch, determined to achieve more victories and leave an indelible mark on the club’s history. The lion is back, and Nuno is ready to write new chapters of glory in his career and in the history of Sporting CP.
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