Jesus swaps Benfica for sporting

The 60-year-old has returned to the club where he
began his career, just 24 hours after leaving arch-
rivals Benfica
Sporting have announced Jorge Jesus as their new
head coach in a widely expected - but still hugely
controversial - move 24 hours after he departed
Portuguese champions Benfica.
The 60-year-old had failed to agree terms over a
new deal
at the Estadio da Luz, with the club
reportedly keen to cut his wages.
Talks ultimately came to a halt, with Benfica
revealing on Friday that they had begun searching
for a successor, and now it has emerged Jesus
has set up camps at their rivals with a three-year
deal.
A statement on Sporting's website said: "We can
announce we have hired Jorge Jesus for the next
three seasons. Today starts a new cycle at
Sporting.
"The last two years have seen us balance the club
financially and invest in the squad using our own
money. I repeat our own money.
"Today we begin a new chapter of sustainability
and enhanced ambition. We want to become
champions again with a structure based on the
medium and long term.
"Our coach fits those exact values and is confident
of enhancing the talent that will come out
of Portugal's best academy. He brings with him
great humility and experience and a deep love for
the club."
Jesus started his career at Sporting as a player
back in the 1970s, four decades ago.