Ruben Amorim was a much-loved figure during his time at Sporting, but there weren't many who cared more for their Portuguese coach more than wing-back Geny Catamo
HONG KONG, CHINA - MAY 30: Manchester Unite head coach Ruben Amorim waves to the fans after the postseason friendly match between Manchester United and Hong Kong at Hong Kong Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images)
HONG KONG, CHINA - MAY 30: Manchester Unite head coach Ruben Amorim waves to the fans after the postseason friendly match between Manchester United and Hong Kong at Hong Kong Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim won two league titles during his time at Sporting Lisbon(Image: VCG, VCG via Getty Images)
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."
BRUGGE, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 10: (L-R) Jerry St Juste of Sporting CP, Geny Catamo of Sporting CP disappointed during the UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge v Sporting CP at the Jan Breydel Stadium on December 10, 2024 in Brugge Belgium (Photo by Pim Waslander/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Geny Catamo (R) admitted he cried heavily when Amorim departed the club
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.
Sporting Lisbon's Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim is celebrated by his players at the end of the UEFA Champions League, league phase day 4 football match between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on November 5, 2024. Ruben Amorim was on November 1, 2024, named as the new manager of Manchester United. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach, who won two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting Lisbon, has signed a deal until 2027 and will join the club on November 11.
Amorim received an emotional goodbye upon leaving Sporting to join Manchester United
"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."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.