chelsea Giovanny Quenda will be acquired this summer by the winger after he bid an emotional farewell to Sporting supporters at Alvalade this weekend.
Saturday's match against Gil Vicente represented the 19-year-old's final home appearance before moving to Stamford Bridge. And while there was little pressure in the result – Porto had already clinched the Portuguese title – the atmosphere around Quenda told a different story.
The academy graduate came off the bench for the final 20 minutes and still managed to leave one last mark, providing the assist for Sporting's final goal of the night. Then came goodbye.
Emotional farewell before Chelsea transfer
Kwenda struggled to hide his emotions after the match. As Widely disseminated by the Portuguese pressThe winger admitted the final weeks have been difficult as he prepares to leave the club he joined at the age of 11.
"It's been tough for me. Even on my birthday, when I spoke to my teammates, I told them the last few weeks were tough." He said.
"Leaving the club that welcomed me since the age of 11, helped me a lot, and not only me but also my family, is obviously difficult. Now even my hair is standing on end. I just have to thank this club."
The sentiment became even more evident when he was asked what was going through his mind as he looked at the stands after the final whistle.
"A lot of things. I had to do a lot to reach the first team. Every person who enters the academy dreams of reaching the first team one day." Kwenda explained.
"I worked for it and managed to achieve my dream. It wasn't long, only two seasons, but I managed to win two titles and I will strive for the third which is still missing."
One last trophy before Chelsea
That ultimate objective is now very clear. Sporting still has to play in the Taça de Portugal final next weekend against lower-league team Turin. This will almost certainly be Kwenda's final appearance before officially becoming a Chelsea player.
He wants to take home another medal.
"Next week we have another title to fight for and I will give everything I have so that the Portuguese Cup can be here again," He added.
But his departure continued after the match. On Sunday, Kwenda posted a short message to supporters on social media.
"Thank you, Alvalde. It was special, believe me."
For Chelsea, this is the version of Kwenda they have now inherited.
not the injured teenager who struggled for months After fracturing his leg. Recently worried Portuguese columnists may not have the precocious talent Get lost in the chaos of Stamford Bridge.
Instead, Chelsea are signing a player who has returned from injury and reclaimed his place, Fulfilled personal promise to score again Before leaving, and now one game away from ending their sporting chapter with another trophy.
