Rui Patricio: 'Victim of violence'

By Football Italia staff

Rui Patricio explained his reasons for demanding a contract termination with Sporting CP due to “physical and psychological violence.”

The goalkeeper, heavily linked with Napoli, has requested his contract be torn up after the team was attacked by hooligans during a training session.

He wrote a 34-page letter to explain his reasons, which was published by Portuguese news agencies.

“My conscience is clear, I think that I am an exemplary professional and have always given my best for Sporting. I realise the greatness of this club and its fans, I was happy in victory and frustrated in defeat. If I did not do more, it’s because I couldn’t.

“I was surprised by the attitude that President Bruno de Carvalho had with the players the day before the attack at the Accademu, considering the aggressive and dictatorial content of his conversations over the previous months.

“Even after the 2-1 defeat to Maritimo, which ruled us out of the Champions League for next season, we were all surprised by how the President’s behaviour changed. He called us ‘spoilt,’ accused us of having ‘no spirit.’

“He asked me: ‘No matter what happens, are you ready to play at the weekend (in the Portuguese Cup)? If there are any problems, call me.

“The attack at the training ground was not an isolated and unpredictable incident that Sporting directors didn’t see coming. It was a perfectly predictable situation.

“The behaviour of the Sporting President was inappropriate, creating an exacerbated attitude from the fans towards the players.

“After the incident, Bruno de Carvalho’s reaction was unacceptable. His first comments were shocking and offensive for us players.

“With this letter, I ask to terminate the contract. I was the victim of physical and psychological violence, so in order to preserve my personal and professional dignity, I wish to end the contract that ties me to Sporting.”

Sporting CP reacted angrily today and President Bruno de Carvalho accused agent Jorge Mendes of orchestrating a bidding war between Napoli and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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