chelsea’s The long-planned move for Giovani Quenda is now closer to becoming reality, and Sporting is already feeling the emotional side of it.

After spending the season amidst the title race, overcoming injuries and constantly focusing on his future, the 19-year-old is now officially saying goodbye to the club where it all started.

And watching his farewell interview with Sporting TV, broadcast by the Portuguese outlet to ballThis has hurt him more deeply than expected.

“it’s not goodbye”

Quenda will arrive at Chelsea this summer after the Blues agreed a deal worth around £43.5m (€50m+) for the winger last year.

The plan always included staying in Lisbon for another season before moving to Stamford Bridge. Since then, that final campaign has included almost everything imaginable.

He suffered a long-term injury after fracturing his foot, with rehabilitation work in London under the care of Chelsea. Then their return and their final home match in Lisbon was filled with emotional messages.

Now comes the real farewell. Speaking in a recent interview, Kwenda admitted that he was seriously struggling with the idea of ​​leaving Sporting.

“I had nights when I couldn’t sleep because it was so difficult for me to say goodbye to a club that helped me and my family so much. It’s a very special club to me,” He said.

“The club will always be in my heart. There’s no way I can thank Sporting for how they treated my parents and my family.”

At several moments, the winger reportedly had to pause to wipe away tears.

Chelsea are getting a player who is deeply connected to Sporting

Giovanni Quenda joined Sporting in his childhood and worked his way up through the years to reach the first team.

He eventually achieved that dream under Rubén Amorim, continuing to gain confidence from Rui Borges despite difficult moments following the latter’s injury return.

The winger made 20 Liga Portugal appearances this season, scoring twice and providing five assists in over 1,000 league minutes.

Kwenda repeatedly returned to the emotional connection with Sporting rather than focusing on statistics or the move to Chelsea.

“I’m more mature now, with a bit more experience, although there’s still a lot to live up to for me in football,” he explained.

“But Sporting helped me a lot. I will always keep Sporting in my heart. This is not goodbye, see you soon. I hope one day I can wear a Sporting shirt again.”

One last memory before Stamford Bridge

Kwenda also spoke warmly of many people around the club. He thanked Rui Borges for having faith in him, especially during difficult times after his injury.

“He always talked to me, even when I was not at my best. He always helped me, gave me minutes and played with me.”

There was room for light memories too. Quenda laughed, recalling coach Ricardo Esgio’s approach in training.

“Esgio would kick me a lot during training and then say it was so I could learn, because football was not easy.”

Now, Chelsea are preparing to welcome one of Portugal’s biggest talents. But he is also inheriting a player who clearly never thought that leaving Sporting would affect him so much.

It barely feels like it’s from Alejo Veliz tottenham Now, but the situation will remain the same till next month. Now it appears the striker has played his final home match for Rosario Central in emotional fashion.

according to hailVeliz played and scored in his farewell appearance at Gigante de Arroyo ahead of his upcoming move to Bahia.

As we covered earlier this yearThe Brazilian club agreed a €9m (£7.6m) deal with Tottenham, finally ending a chaotic transfer saga involving City Football Group.

The striker’s loan officially expires on June 30, although for a long time it looked as if he might leave much sooner.

Long goodbye after months of drama

Alejo Veliz’s move to Bahia took more twists than most people expected.

At various stages, negotiations took place regarding January’s exit, compensation payments to Rosario Central, etc. Even Alternative Deal Structures Includes buy-back clauses in the future for Tottenham. At one time it seemed as if the transfer story changed every two days.

In the end, Rosario Central stood firm and managed to retain the striker until the end of the loan period.

Veliz wanted to stay in Argentina, finish the season on a good note and play in front of Central supporters before starting the next chapter of his career in Brazil.

That emotional connection was on display during his final appearance in Rosario. Fans already knew the striker would be leaving, but the goal and the tears that followed gave the night a different feel.

Mixed numbers but still an important figure

Alejo Veliz did not make a large number of appearances during his return to Argentina. He finished the season with six goals in 23 matches for Rosario Central.

Nevertheless, he remained a key player for the team throughout the campaign. Rosario reached the semi-finals of the Argentine Championship, and Veliz played a major role alongside Argentine legend Ángel Di María despite continued noise about his future.

This also helps explain why Rosario tried so hard to keep him until June instead of agreeing to an exit earlier.

what happens next

For Tottenham, the situation has already been resolved financially. Spurs agreed a permanent sale months ago avoid pulling uncertainty Deeper in summer.

Meanwhile, Bahia finally got the striker they had been chasing for so long. Operating as Manchester City’s satellite club in Brazil within the City Football Group structure, they see Veliz as part of a long-term project rather than a quick gamble.

Now, after several months of terms, negotiations and delays, the focus is finally back on football. Alejo Veliz gets a bye in Rosario – and Bahia’s wait is almost over.

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.

newcastle united There is a possibility of signing a goalkeeper in the summer and there will be a few names on their list.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness Covered claims from Germany Newcastle United are targeting Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus. He is valued at around €12m and is seen as a reasonable signing.

He joined the Bundesliga team’s academy in 2018 and earned a place in their first team in 2021.

The 22-year-old spent the 2023/24 season on loan at FC Volendam and has been Werder Bremen’s No. 1 over the past two seasons. They have five clean sheets and have conceded 56 goals in 32 games this season.

Newcastle United keen on Backhaus

At the weekend, the stopper started in Werder Bremen’s 2-0 defeat at home to Borussia Dortmund. It was his last match of the season as the German club finished in 15th place.

image Mio Backhaus received a standing ovation from the home supporters for avoiding a heavy defeat with several saves. After the match, he and his teammates thanked the fans for their support.

At the time, the goalkeeper appeared ‘remarkably emotional, his eyes slightly moist’ and Bild suggested he was saying goodbye to Werder Bremen.

ARD asked about his future and he said: “We’re spending two or three nights away with the team. Then I’ll think about it.”

He will join his teammates on the trip to Ibiza, after which the German club will have to make a decision on his future.

Bild say ‘Newcastle United are interested’ while SC Freiburg are also in the race to sign him.

If their current No. 1, Noah Atubolu, moves elsewhere and they qualify for the Champions League by beating Aston Villa in the Europa League final, the track towards Freiburg could heat up even more. In short, the Magpies will face competition to sign Backhaus.

Werder Bremen officials hint at sale

Their manager, Daniel Thiouane, wishes to retain Mio Backhaus, but would accept it if he was sold.

“It would be desirable to keep Mio Backhaus in the team. He was one of the few bright spots and winners this season. If Backhaus decides to leave, I will accept it.” He said.

Werder Bremen managing director Clemens Fritz suggests the sale of Stomper is necessary for financial recovery.

“Mio Backhaus has had a fantastic season, which no one could have predicted. We are dependent on transfer revenue. We will have to see what happens in the next few weeks,” Fritz explained.

Newcastle United awaits Aston Villa result

Eddie Howe’s side will be hoping the Villans beat SC Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

This would improve Newcastle United’s chances of convincing Mio Backhaus to select him for their Bundesliga squad.

transfer market The goalkeeper is valued at €12m, who is under contract at Werder Bremen until 2028.

The Charlotte Hornets honored Dell Curry with a powerful jersey retirement night, and the legend made sure the moment was for the fans as well as him. During the ceremony, the former Hornets standout stood under the lights and spoke from the heart and delivered a message that resonated throughout the arena.

Dell Curry gets emotional during his speech at his retirement jersey ceremony pic.twitter.com/GzpjVVVfjM

– MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) 20 March 2026

“If you see me growing, if you see my family growing, it means so much that you’re still here and supporting me and my family,” he said. The words gained weight. They felt personal. They felt that they had earned.

Curry didn’t stop there. He focused on the current Hornets. “I want to challenge you to continue supporting this team,” he said. “The guys in the locker room … they’re working hard to make you proud.” The message contained both gratitude and faith.

That moment also brought history. Curry’s jersey became the second jersey to be retired in Hornets franchise history, joining Bobby Philps. The crowd felt it. A legacy sealed in the rooftops.

Dell Curry’s legacy will live on in the Hornets’ future

Curry’s voice rose again as he talked about what’s coming next. “This is going to be the premier franchise in the NBA, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. That confidence didn’t feel forced. It felt like a conviction built up over decades. He saw something in this Hornets team. He believed in it.

Then came the most emotional turn. “I’m a country boy from grottoes, man. I didn’t know this would happen.” Humility trumps everything else. For a moment, the banners, the lights, the noise, none of it matters. Just gratitude.

“I can’t explain how grateful, blessed and fortunate I am to be here at this moment.”

Dell expresses eternal gratitude on his special night 🥹 https://t.co/RO9pz4P3WF pic.twitter.com/xhuijQVmtc

– NBA (@NBA) 20 March 2026

Curry’s resume speaks for itself. Ten seasons with the Hornets. Sixth Person of the Year in 1994. Former all-time leader in points and threes. But this night felt different. It felt complete.

To conclude his jersey retirement speech, Dell Curry turned back to the Hornets and their fans. “So we’ve got to keep this party going… keep winning. We’ve got to support them. Thanks for having me.”

The question now is, can they rise to match the legacy that watches over them?

The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are in the middle of a competitive battle on ESPN. The Celtics are playing in front of a packed crowd at home against a Warriors team without Steph Curry due to injury.

Another popular name, Kristaps Porzingis, is back at TD Garden after playing two incredible seasons with the Celtics in Beantown. Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last offseason, and then the Hawks ultimately traded him to the Warriors before the NBA trade deadline. It’s Porzingis’ first game back, so the Celtics gave him an emotional tribute video.

Celtics tribute video for Kristaps Porzingis 🙌

(via @danield1214) pic.twitter.com/8bhBguM1ik

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

The Celtics can’t win the NBA Finals without Porzingis in 2023-24. His ability to stretch the field and play elite defense was a big part of why Boston was so dominant during that championship run. Remember the first game of the Finals, when Porzingis couldn’t miss a shot in the first quarter? He scored 20 points off the bench in the game, along with six rebounds and three blocks.

His time, as well as Jrue Holiday’s, ended after last season when the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals of the NBA playoffs. Porzingis was not playing at the time as he was dealing with an undisclosed illness. The Celtics moved on, but they remained a very good team.

Boston is in second place in the conference, and if they beat the Warriors, they will be just 3.5 games behind the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the East.

Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Aalborg admitted it was “difficult” to make his Premier League debut after the 22-year-old kept a clean sheet in the Black Cats’ 1-0 win over Leeds United.

spoke to the swedish goalkeeper sportbladet After the match he described the moment as an “incredible” experience. January transfer from Malmö FF.

Aalborg was given the starting spot as regular goalkeeper Robin Roefs missed the game due to injury. Sunderland took all three points, with Habib Diarra scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.

The goalkeeper spoke immediately after the final whistle while the Sunderland team bus headed north. He said the team’s mood was positive after both the win and his individual achievement.

“It’s a good atmosphere and everyone is very happy, both for the win and for me too,” Aalborg said.

However, the young goalkeeper admitted that the moment was not quite over yet.

“It’s hard to accept. It’s a dream come true. To make your debut in the best league in the world and keep a clean sheet feels incredible. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Instant effect after January arrival

Aalborg only arrived at Sunderland during the January transfer window, when the club signed him from Malmö FF. Swedish reports said the deal was worth around £3.3m (€3.9m).

Despite being new to the club, the goalkeeper revealed the transition has been smooth.

“It was perfect. I felt so welcome from day one that it felt like I’d been at Sunderland for more than a month.” He said.

The 22-year-old also highlighted how Sunderland’s defense helped ease his debut night.

“It was nice to make a good save and feel like I came into the game. It’s been a pretty simple match for me.”He said. “Our outfield players and defenders work very hard to block shots and clear the ball away. He made it easy for me.”

Good news for Sunderland

Aalborg’s debut may not require sustained heroics, but a clean sheet in his Premier League debut will certainly strengthen his case for more opportunities.

With Roughs currently sidelined, Sunderland may now have another reliable option between the positions. Aalborg, meanwhile, has already given the kind of start most young goalkeepers only dream of.

Coby White made an emotional return to the United Center, this time as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. His new team scored a big win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, 131-99.

White was traded to Charlotte before the deadline in a deal that brought Collin Sexton and some second-round picks to Chicago. Due to a calf injury, White was eased into his first game with the Hornets. He scored 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting.

After Charlotte’s impressive win against Chicago, White did not hesitate to meet with his old teammates.

Coby White reunites with some of his former Bulls teammates (who remain). The Hornets handed the Bulls their 10th straight loss, and Chicago is still winless after the deadline. His 99 points tonight tied for his third-fewest points of the season. pic.twitter.com/jijnN7ZybX

– Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) 25 February 2026

Additionally, the former Bulls guard received a warm welcome on the court. During a first quarter timeout, the team played a tribute video for Coby White on the big screen. The montage traces his journey from being drafted out of North Carolina in 2019 to becoming one of the most beloved players among Chicago fans.

Reflecting on the warm reception he received from the crowd, White expressed how much the moment meant to him.

“You really don’t know how much of an impact you have on people. And what an impact people have on me. I get a lot of applause and whatever, but so many people are here tonight, wearing my jersey, calling my name. For me, it’s just trying to be in the moment. And just trying to stay grounded. It’s very humbling to find out how many people you impact through this beautiful game that we play,” the 26-year-old told CHSN. Said through.

The Bulls tried to snap a nine-game losing streak on Tuesday, but the Hornets pushed it to 10. Chicago fell to 24-35 and remains winless this month, while Charlotte improved to 28-31 with seven wins in its last 10 contests.

Before the game, White talked about the direction of Chicago’s season and his understanding of the team’s decision to trade him.

“The way the season was going, we weren’t getting enough wins in a row,” White told the media. “Like I said from the beginning, I support whatever they think is best for the team. This organization believed in me. They gave me the chance and the opportunity to live out my dreams. So, I just want to see the organization succeed.”

Only time will tell how the Bulls’ decision to trade White will turn out. The move gives Chicago an opportunity to reshape the roster, but it remains to be seen if it will lead to better results in the long run.

Meanwhile, the Hornets will aim to keep their momentum going with Coby White back in the lineup after returning from injury. Charlotte will take on the Indiana Pacers in their next game on Thursday.

Before the trade deadline, the Atlanta Hawks decided to move on by trading former face of the franchise Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Young was often injured this season and was not very productive when healthy, but the Hawks decided they would rather get some value for him rather than give him a big contract moving forward.

It also allows the Hawks to transition to a defense-first identity, with the team handing the keys to the franchise to rising star Jalen Johnson. But Young’s departure was so sudden that everyone didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.

Tuesday night, Hawks visit Young with Wizards finally got it His well-deserved public farewell. The Hawks released a tribute video to Young, to which the multiple-time All-Star reacted emotionally.

Via ClutchPoints beat reporter Malik Brown and Hawks.com reporter Kevin Chouinard:

Trae Young Tribute Video + Trae’s Reaction pic.twitter.com/ZHXl8v715a

– Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) 25 February 2026

Trae Young reacts to his tribute video pic.twitter.com/mJ2xF5H6eT

– Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) 25 February 2026

Young played some of his best basketball for the Hawks, and the city of Atlanta adopted him as one of their own. It may not have worked out for Young in the end in Atlanta, but that doesn’t take away from anything he’s done for the team in his seven and a half seasons with the team.

Trae Young, Hawks make fresh start

The Hawks got a fresh start, but so did Young. Young has long been scapegoated for his defensive shortcomings, but in the nation’s capital, he’ll get more help than ever, especially once Anthony Davis gets healthy.

It wasn’t an easy decision for the Hawks to lose Young, but Johnson’s emergence as a point forward and the team’s improved depth could bode well for their future – especially when they have a potential top-five pick in this year’s draft.

It wasn’t just the Chicago Bulls facing the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night. it is marked official return After being Coby White’s traded from chicago To the Charlotte Hornets.

During a timeout in the first quarter, the Bulls Jumbotron flashed on the screen A video tribute to White. It highlights his journey from North Carolina to becoming a fan favorite in Chicago in 2019.

The Bulls paid tribute to Coby White in their first game in Chicago as part of Charlotte @clutchpoints pic.twitter.com/5HLxIaEllp

– Zachary Draves (@DravesZachary) 25 February 2026

As expected, fans at the United Center gave White a hearty applause for the ex, formerly @M4VERICK_CARTER on Twitter.

Bulls in-game tribute to Coby White pic.twitter.com/MKCsv4IBZY

– M4VERICK (@M4VERICK_CARTER) 25 February 2026

Furthermore, when he waved towards the fans, players on both sides clapped for him. Heading into Tuesday, the Bulls are trying to snap a nine-game losing streak. They’re 24-34 and haven’t won a game all month. Meanwhile, the Hornets are 27-31 and have won 7 of their last 10 games.

Before Tuesday, the questions were Regarding whether White will play, given that he is coming from shin injury. He did not play a game with the Hornets until Chicago.

In 29 games with the Bulls, White averaged 18.6 points and 4.7 assists per game. White signed the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract With Chicago in 2023.

Overall, White built a reputation An effective scorer and playmaker in Chicago. During his rookie season, White made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He also became the fastest player in franchise history to score 500 career 3-pointers in 237 games.

In March 2025, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month. That same month, White won two Player of the Week honors. Overall, White scored 6,945 points with Chicago.

The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers are heading to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Spearheaded by superstar quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers inflicted a 56-22 defeat on the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

6

Mendoza’s sparkling display in which he completed 17-of-20 passing for 177 yards and five passing touchdowns only boosted his stock of being taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Indiana’s defense set the tone, taking a lead on the first play from scrimmage with a defensive score.

From then on, it was just utter dominance from the nation’s best team, who scored seven touchdowns on 10 drives, excluding the final one as they went into victory formation.

Indiana will enter the CFP national championship game against the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes with an undefeated 15-0 record on the season.

After securing the victory, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti – who has been instrumental in turning the Hoosiers’ program around since his arrival in 2024 – gave a hilarious response to his team recording the sixth-largest win in CFP history.

“I’m really not thinking about the next game. I’m thinking about cracking open a beer,” Coach Cignetti told ESPN’s Molly McGrath.

Whilst the Canes will be vying for the championship at home at Hard Rock Stadium after their 31-27 victory over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, it will also be a homecoming for Mendoza as well having grown up there.

“Playing any national championship is fantastic. But it means a little bit more to me,” Mendoza said to ESPN postgame.