Sporting’s futsal star Alex Merlim has officially ended speculation about his future, confirming he will remain with the club for the upcoming season. The Italian international acknowledged that the team’s recent Champions League victory marked the last time the current squad would compete together in the tournament, with several departures expected at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
“This is an unforgettable moment. I’ve won two Champions Leagues before, and this is my third, but it feels like the first. Only we know what we’ve been through to reach these decisions at such moments. I believe this group deserves it because, unfortunately, this was the last Champions League we played together,” Merlim told Canal 11 after Sporting’s triumph.
When asked whether his comments hinted at farewells, the 39-year-old Italian-Brazilian responded, “There are some goodbyes, but I want to take this opportunity to say that, thankfully, in my case, I will continue with the lion on my chest. I feel very happy and honored to keep wearing the green and white.” Merlim is now entering his 11th season with the club.
