It was in October 2013 that Bruno Carvalho, then president of Sporting – ended up being removed by the partners in June 2018… -, decided that no Sporting player, in any modality, would use the number 12 from 2013/ 2014.
“It is a tribute and a bow to the members and fans and a way of saying that they will always be the 12th element of an additional force, which will allow us to walk towards glory”, said the former leader at the time.
And that explains the fact that the last player to display the 12 on his back, in professional football, for example, was Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Boeck in the 2013/2014 season.
Therefore, it was not surprising that, at the presentation of the players who will be part of the professional football squad of the lions, a ceremony that took place last Sunday at the end of the afternoon, the reinforcement Franco Israel, Uruguayan goalkeeper of 22 years, it appeared precisely with the number 12 on its back.
Read more in the print edition or subscribe to the edition digital from A BALL
–
