‘Now I’ll be a fan, another one of you’: Coates bids farewell to Sporting, hands over evidence to Yulmand

This Saturday, footballer Coates was honoured at the Estadio José Alvalade in Lisbon before Sporting’s presentation match, bidding farewell to the fans and formalising the handover of the armband, handing it over to Danish midfielder Hjulmand.

Between the presentation of the Green and Whites’ 2024/25 squad and the start of the Cinco Violinos Cup match against Spanish club Athletic Bilbao, the Uruguayan centre-back entered the stadium to a standing ovation from the stands.

A large banner reading “Oh Captain, My Captain” was raised in one of the stadium’s central boxes, with a picture of Coates and all the trophies taken from Sporting’s service, while fans loudly chanted the player’s name.

While this was happening, Coates received a painting from president Frederico Varandas and sporting director Hugo Viana, and now captain Hjulmand presented a Sporting shirt signed by the entire Lisbon team.

Coates soon returned the gesture, placing the captain’s armband, which he had held for several seasons, on the Danish midfielder’s arm, taking the moment to leave a few words of thanks, accompanied by his children.

“When I came here, my dream was always to become champion of this club. Today I am calm because I have achieved it. I want to thank the president Hugo, all the “staff” and “Mister” who have tolerated me all these years. It was a great honor and pleasure to work with you. I learned a lot, I enjoyed it and I was happy. I am also grateful to my teammates, and it was incredible to play in them. This stadium with a great atmosphere, one of you, long live Sporting!” the player said.

Sebastian Coates, 33, left Sporting after nine seasons to join Uruguayan club Nacional, where he began his career, also playing for English clubs Liverpool and Sunderland and making 51 international appearances.