Marco Caneira completes “dream” return to Sporting

Utility defender signs 4-year contract for Lisbon club

Marco Caneira has returned to Sporting one year after leaving Alvalade for Valencia. The utility defender enjoyed a superb 2006/07 for the Lions while on loan from the Spanish outfit, at the end of which he was recalled to the La Liga club where he played last season.

Sporting made no secret of the fact they wanted the Portugal international back in their squad, and the definitive transfer was made official yesterday, with Caneira putting pen to paper on a four-year contract.

“It’s with enormous satisfaction and pride that I return after having already represented Sporting twice. I’m really happy with the option I have taken after leaving Valencia. I had a dream of returning,” said the 29-year-old on the Lisbon club’s website.

Caneira revealed that other Spanish clubs had shown an interest in purchasing him, but his mind was already made up.

“One or two clubs asked about my position, but that was not relevant for me. The main thing was that Sporting and I reached an agreement that satisfied the two parties.”

Caneira, currently on holiday in Dubai, will report for duty when pre-season training begins on 7 July.


Related: Marco Caneira PortuGOAL profile