Catamo: Amorim's Text Sparked My Sporting Dream

Sporting CP star Geny Catamo explained that Ruben Amorim placed the ultimate confidence in him with just one text message. The 24-year-old signed for the Portuguese giants in 2019 but spent a period in their reserve team before heading out on loan to Vitoria Guimaraes and Maritimo.

Having only made one appearance for Sporting before making his first team breakthrough in the 2023/24 campaign, it was a brief message he received from the Manchester United boss as his loan at Vitoria was coming to an end that sparked the beginning of Catamo's dreams coming true.

In an interview with programme 'Bar da Liga’, the Mozambique international said: "It was my last day at Vitória, where I was on loan. On the way back to Lisbon, my father, some friends, and I stopped in Fátima to pray.

"We lit a candle to thank for everything and to pray for my future. We went for lunch, and not even five minutes after sitting down, I received a message on my phone from Ruben Amorim saying he was counting on me.

"He told me to take care of myself during the holidays and expected me to return in good condition and eager to work. I whispered this to my friend who immediately replied, 'These are God’s things...'"

Catamo - who admitted he cried when Amorim left the club - detailed what his coach's belief in him did for his confidence that has since allowed him to play a major role in two league titles.

"It was one of those moments when I felt most valued. I felt the confidence he placed in me," he added. "We needed to feel confident, and Ruben conveyed it very positively and encouragingly. I felt I just had to respond by giving my best."

Having been converted into a wing-back under Amorim, he's totalled 13 goals and eight assists in 90 games for the club, explaining the pride he has in being able to represent one of Portugal's most storied sporting institutions.

"It's a pride to realise that many people have this passion for me, especially Sporting fans. And I say this because I think they also feel what I feel when representing Sporting. I have a huge passion for Sporting. Pride for the club, the fans, the squad, the staff, everything that happens within Sporting.

"They are good people who take care of our comfort, transmit good energies, and make us wake up every day wanting to train and play. When I arrive at Sporting, I know there are genuine people waiting for me with whom I'll share my life throughout an entire season."

Catamo's impressive performances has seen him receive reported interest from the likes of Aston Villa , Newcastle United and Arsenal , but the 24-year-old said he has no interest in thinking about a transfer until he returns from holiday following a second straight title-winning season.

"I don't like reading news about transfers, interest, approaches, whatever it may be," he added. "It doesn't matter if it's good or bad news; I don't want anyone telling me anything. I've told my agents, 'Your job is to handle these things. At the end of the holidays, update me on everything.'

"I want to focus on work, games, and achieving our goals. My mind isn't even thinking about offers. I'm on holiday in Mozambique, resting with family. If my agents have something to say, they'll have to wait until I'm back in Portugal."

Manchester United have launched their new home kit for the 2025/26 season with an Adidas shirt paying tribute to Old Trafford.