“Zalazar shines in Sporting’s debut with a hat-trick of assists.”

Zalazar shone on his debut for Sporting, contributing decisively to the 7-0 thrashing of Strasbourg in a recent friendly. The Uruguayan recruit, who came on in the 60th minute, scored from the penalty spot, set up the goal for Maxi Araújo, and assisted Geny Catamo for another, in a performance he described as “a dream debut.”

The 26-year-old Uruguayan international expressed satisfaction with how the team is preparing for the new season. “I am very happy with the way the team is playing. It’s great to have these dynamics with little time left before the competition starts. It was a dream debut,” Zalazar stated, also highlighting the excellent integration into the Sporting group. “It’s a very human group that made me feel very comfortable in 2 or 3 days… I feel like I’ve been here for a long time. It’s true that many players have come in who will try to help the team move forward, but Sporting is always strong.”

In statements following the meeting, Zalazar also explained the reasons that led him to choose Sporting over Benfica. “It was an easy decision. When I learned there was an opportunity to join Sporting, I immediately said yes, as that was where I wanted to go because they have always given me a lot of confidence.” The player expressed that he is prepared to handle the pressure of being the most expensive signing in the club's history, stating: “It’s a giant club! I know it’s an important transfer and I try to approach the situation with the utmost calm. When you wear the Sporting jersey, you don’t think about the 30 million euros.”

Zalazar chose the number 17 shirt, which belonged to Trincão, and praised the former holder, highlighting the quality of the Portuguese international. “When I played against him, it was tough; he’s a good player to have on our side. It’s an honor to have taken the number 17 shirt.” The Uruguayan also emphasized the strong friendship he maintains with Maxi Araújo: “He’s a very special person to me because we’ve been friends for many years. I hope we can be very happy together. Maxi is a captain without the armband.”

The midfielder also highlighted the confidence conveyed by coach Rui Borges in the early days of training and revealed that he will still discuss penalty-taking with Luis Suárez. “There’s a hierarchy to respect for those who aren’t here yet. Luis brings good things to the team, and I want to get to know him better. Many new teammates have arrived, and I’m here to help. We have a good balance, and now it’s time to think about the championship,” concluded Zalazar.