Geny Catamo has gone from Sporting's reserve team to a key player in two league title wins - and it all began with a message from his coach as he finished a loan spell
Ruben Amorim smiling on the touchline
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim won two league titles during his tenure at Sporting CP
(Image: Getty Images)
Sporting CP sensation Geny Catamo revealed how a simple text message from Ruben Amorim instilled immense trust and marked the turning point in his career.
The 24-year-old wing-back has become an important figure at the Portuguese club, despite spending time with the reserves and going on loan to Vitoria Guimaraes and Maritimo after joining Sporting in 2019.
His fortune changed dramatically during his loan spell at Vitoria when he received a pivotal message from Amorim - who joined Manchester United last November - that laid the groundwork for his rise in the 2023/24 season.
Reflecting on this transformative moment while speaking to 'Bar da Liga', the Mozambique international shared: "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...'"
Geny Catamo in action for Sporting
Geny Catamo became an integral part of Ruben Amorim's Sporting side
In the wake of Amorim's departure, an event that moved Catamo to tears, he detailed how the confidence vested in him by his former coach proved crucial in securing two league titles and enhancing his prominence at Sporting, reports the Mirror.
"It was one of those moments when I felt most valued. I felt the confidence he placed in me. 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 thrived since his switch to wing-back under Amorim, he proudly summed up his joy in representing a club of Sporting's stature in football. "It's a pride to realise that many people have this passion for me, especially Sporting fans," he said.
"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.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 05: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Sporting CP, is thrown into the air by his players to celebrate his last home match as manager at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
The Portuguese boss was given an emotional goodbye when leaving for Manchester United
"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."
Although his stellar performances have reportedly caught the eye of clubs like Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Arsenal, Catamo insists he's not entertaining thoughts of a transfer until after his holiday, following a successful title-defending campaign.
"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."