Manuel Fernandez, a former Sporting player who played between 1975 and 1987, after being one of the greatest figures in the club's history, died on Thursday. He had been fighting the tumor for a long time and was hospitalized for several days. The former football glory was 73 years old.
As a player, Manuel Fernandes was an excellent finisher and had a great career, first at CUF, then at Sporting – the great passion of his sporting life and where he achieved his goals. 433 matches and 257 goals – Finally in Vitoria de Setubal.
He was also a 30-time international and played a further seven matches representing the B and Under-21s.
In the 2000-2001 season, he returned to Alvalade but as coach, after years as an assistant. Later, he became a leader in the sports structure.
Sporting published an emotional farewell video for the former number 9 and team captain.
“I did what I loved most, which was to come to Sporting one day. Even if it's just one game, I'll be happy.”
There were 433 matches, 257 goals and a lion's life on his chest.
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– Sporting Lisbon ?? (@Sporting CB) June 27, 2024
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has already expressed its condolences. In a message posted privately locationFernando Gomez, president of the Popular Front for Football, expressed his regret over the death of Manuel Fernandez.
“I learned with deep sadness of the death of Manuel Fernandez, an exceptional player, a simple and good man, a great leader and a great reference for Sporting Clube de Portugal.”
Benfica and Porto also reacted to the death of Manuel Fernandes. The Reds expressed their “deepest condolences” for the disappearance of the former Sporting captain. The Reds responded by saying: “To the family and friends, the club offers its deepest condolences. May God have mercy on him.”
As for the “Dragon”, they sent their “heartfelt condolences to the family and friends” of the former Sporting player, adding: “Great opponents enrich our history.”
The reactions to the death of Manuel Fernandes follow one another and come from the most diverse quarters, clearly demonstrating the reach that the former footballer had on the national scene. Clubs such as Santa Clara, Estrela da Amadora and Vitória de Setúbal, coached by Manuel Fernandes, have already expressed their sadness at the death of their former coach.
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Professional Football League, also expressed his regret over the death of what he considered “one of the great references of Portuguese football”.
“There are men who distinguish us as players. There are players who distinguish us as men. Manuel Fernandes left his unparalleled mark on us as a player and as a man. He, personally, left his mark on me in life. Today Portuguese football has seen it from one of his great references,” wrote the Portuguese league leader .
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