Portuguese Football in English
Paulo Fonseca has made his return to football after a little over a year out of the game by signing a contract with French Ligue 1 side Lille.
Former Porto boss Fonseca has been without a club since leaving Roma at the end of last season. The Portuguese has signed a two-year contract with Lille, who won the French championship last May at the end of the 2020-21 season.
There will be an intriguing Portuguese derby in Iranian football next season after Ricardo Sá Pinto and José Morais were appointed as managers of Esteghlal and Sepahan respectively this week.
Reigning champions Esteghlal confirmed the appointment of Sá Pinto on Tuesday, just a few weeks after the former international forward left Moreirense. Sepahan, who finished 3rd last term, announced Morais’ arrival on Thursday, with José Mourinho’s former assistant out of work since a brief spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal last year.
José Fonte continues to set remarkable standards for Lille in France, after being named the club’s Player of the Season following a campaign in which he played every single minute in all competitions.
Fonte, who turns 39 later this year, featured in 49 matches for Les Dogues in all competitions as Lille contested the Champions League as well as domestic duties. As such, the defender was dubbed “Mr 100%” on the club’s social media platforms, with Fonte clocking 3,420 minutes of action not including extra time.
South American champions Palmeiras issued a statement on Friday condemning what they believe are xenophobic attacks against their manager Abel Ferreira.
The move from Palmeiras came after Atlético Goianiense boss Jorginho was scathing in his criticism of Abel and his staff following the sides’ clash in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Palmeiras came from behind to win the match 4-2, scoring a remarkable four goals between the 42nd minute and half time, but Abel and his technical team were the subject of Jorginho’s frustration after the match.
Just 24 hours after selling Fábio Vieira to Arsenal, FC Porto are set to conclude another high-profile departure as midfielder Vitinha is on the brink of a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
According to reports close to both parties in Portugal and France, the clubs have agreed a fee and Vitinha will sign a five-year contract at the Parc des Princes. Estimates over the fee vary, with some indication that the price may be under the €40m stipulated as a release clause in Vitinha’s contract at Estádio do Dragão.
