“The one I love” – West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes on Sporting bond

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes has reiterated his strong emotional bond with Sporting CP, insisting that his move to the Premier League has not weakened his connection to the club where he was developed.

Now 21, Fernandes is continuing his adaptation to English football under fellow Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo, but his attention remains firmly split between London and Lisbon. Speaking in an interview with DAZN, the midfielder explained that he makes a conscious effort to follow Sporting despite practical difficulties.

Fernandes revealed that live broadcasts of Sporting matches are often unavailable to him in England, yet that has not stopped him keeping up with results and performances.

“Unfortunately, the matches are not shown live on television here,” he said. “Still, I literally follow all Sporting games through apps and highlights.”

His interest in Portuguese football extends beyond Sporting. Fernandes continues to monitor Estoril Praia, where he previously spent time on loan, and also checks in on FC Arouca due to his past connection with head coach Vasco Seabra.

However, Sporting remain central to his football identity.

“I always try to follow Sporting’s games,” Fernandes added. “It’s the club I’ve loved since I was a baby. That supporter side always pulls me towards Sporting, and it will always be special in my life.”

Fernandes left Sporting in the summer of 2024 in a €15 million move, marking the end of a formative chapter in his career. A year later, Southampton sold the midfielder to West Ham for €44 million, underlining his rapid rise in value and reputation.

Sporting also benefited financially from the transfer, receiving an additional €3 million through a 10 per cent sell-on clause negotiated as part of his original departure.

Despite his affection for Sporting, Fernandes is focused on establishing himself at West Ham and continuing his development in the Premier League. The midfielder has spoken previously about adapting to the physical and tactical demands of English football, and his immediate priority is cementing a regular role in Nuno Espírito Santo’s system.

Still, his comments underline that while careers may move quickly, emotional ties to formative clubs rarely fade.

Fernandes will continue to focus on securing consistency and minutes at West Ham as the season progresses, while Sporting monitor his development from afar. Any future links between the two are speculative for now, but the emotional connection remains firmly intact.

Should Sporting look to bring Mateus Fernandes back in the future — or is his long-term path now firmly rooted in the Premier League?