Leonardo Barroso, the 18-year-old left-back who joined the training camp in the Algarve, has renewed his contract with the Lions until 2028.
Speaking to the club’s media, the player did not hide his satisfaction with the proof of confidence he received from Sporting. “It’s a sign that Sporting still believes in my potential and my work. It’s been a very good trip [no Sporting]I’ve developed a lot as a player and also as a person, I’ve learned a lot and I work every day.
Barroso has been in Sporting since 2018/2019, after his departure from Benfica, and he is convinced that he has the genes of a lion. “A player who represents Sporting has to work hard, have a lot of discipline and a lot of focus on what he wants.”
The Setubal left-back gave a brief picture of his characteristics: “I consider myself a very physical player, I am quick, I can read the game well and I can also create imbalances for opponents.”
As for the goals he scored during his new contract period, Leonardo Barroso couldn’t be more honest. “Reaching the main team is through daily work,” he said.
Indeed, with his academy history, Barroso revealed his most striking moments with a lion on his chest. “Being a champion in the under-14 and under-17 categories, I enjoyed a lot, we were happy and I had great moments here, as a resident of the academy”, he said without skimping on praise for the Alvalade motto: “It’s a club that believes in players and bets on the youth”.
Leonardo Barroso has completed all phases in a sustained manner, considering that calls to the Under-23s, reserve team and main team, as he did at the pre-season training camp in the Algarve, gave him plenty to learn. “Being in the first team is a different context, and it takes more of the things I’ve been working on to be able to get there,” he said, revealing his great admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Porro and Ricardo Esgayo, the latter two. Two full backs, like Leonardo Barroso.
Leonardo Barroso recalled the lion’s first step on his chest, saying: “The first day was in the under-14 team, in a training session at the beginning of the season, and I hit a colleague on a move, but it’s over.” he said between smiles.
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