Zalazar reveals that he decided to join Sporting after the first conversation.

Rodrigo Zalazar left no room for doubt: it took just one conversation for him to decide that he wanted to wear green and white. The Uruguayan midfielder, now officially a player for Sporting, revealed for the first time what he felt upon receiving the invitation from the lions, in a testimony that promises to stir up the pre-season in Alvalade and fuel the expectations of Sporting fans.

Following Uruguay’s victory over Saudi Arabia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Zalazar finally broke his silence regarding the transfer that took him from SC Braga to the Portuguese capital. “I am very happy to join a great club, a giant. From the first day, I was treated incredibly well, both by the people at the club and the fans. I am very happy to have the opportunity to play for Sporting and I can’t wait to see everyone in Alvalade,” stated the Uruguayan international, visibly excited about the new challenge.

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The 24-year-old midfielder also clarified the reasons that led him to choose the lions, immediately dismissing any possibility of being tempted by other clubs, namely the eternal rival in red. “When Sporting spoke to me, my agent made it clear that they wanted me to go there. I was also very happy to hear that, and I think that since the first conversation we had with Sporting, I already knew I wanted to go there. And well, a lot is said, and a lot is talked about,” explained Zalazar, emphasizing the conviction with which he made his decision. When directly questioned about an alleged approach from Benfica, he was categorical: “No, they didn’t speak to me directly. But I am very happy to be at Sporting and to represent such a great club.”

This change is particularly relevant not only because of Sporting’s investment in one of the most promising midfielders in South American football, but also because of the impact it may have on the fight for the national title. The arrival of Zalazar at Alvalade represents a clear signal of the Lions’ ambition for the upcoming season, reinforcing a sector that needed solutions after several departures in midfield. Fans are already beginning to dream of an even more competitive team, capable of matching FC Porto and Benfica until the end.

Zalazar also made a point of praising Maxi, his compatriot and new teammate, who shone in the recent match for the Uruguayan national team. “I am very happy for him. He is a great player, a great person as well. I think he deserves everything he is experiencing because he has worked hard for this. In recent years at Sporting, also in Mexico, he has been showing what he is capable of. I am very happy for him, for the goal as well and for his debut here at the World Cup and, as I said before, he deserves it,” said the midfielder, expressing pride in his compatriot’s journey. However, he assured that his choice to join Sporting was not influenced by Maxi: “It all happened very quickly. I knew I wanted to go to Sporting, I didn’t need to seek opinions or ask questions. When I had the opportunity to go there, I already knew I wanted to, and I am very happy about it.”

With the pre-season on the horizon, Zalazar is preparing to join Rúben Amorim’s squad and begin working on the new Sporting project. The expectation is that he will be a key player in midfield, bringing determination, technical quality, and vision. The next steps involve integrating into the group and adapting to Sporting’s style of play, but the confidence shown since the first contact suggests a smooth transition. For rivals, this signing is a clear warning: Sporting is making a strong investment and does not intend to sit back next season. Alvalade eagerly awaits Zalazar’s debut, as he arrives determined to make history and win titles with the lion on his chest.

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