New Chelsea midfielder Dário Essugo has credited former Sporting CP manager Rúben Amorim for shaping the early stages of his professional career, expressing deep gratitude for the mentorship that helped him break into senior football.
The 19-year-old joined Chelsea late last season after rising through the ranks at Sporting under Amorim, who is now in charge of Manchester United.
Essugo, born in Portugal to Angolan parents, made headlines in 2021 when he became Sporting’s youngest-ever debutant at age 16.
His development since then has been closely linked with Amorim, whose tactical demands and belief in youth proved pivotal to the teenager’s rapid rise.
“He brought me to the first team so he helped me a lot, to understand the game, to reach the level I am here now,” Essugo said.
“I am grateful. He is so demanding. He likes to win every time so he has helped me a lot.”
Reflecting on his unexpected debut during the Covid-disrupted season, Essugo recalled, “I made one training session with the first team and the coach Rúben Amorim liked what he saw and he called me to play.
“We had good players like Manuel Ugarte, João Palhinha, and now Morten Hjulmand. I had the opportunity to learn with one of them and of course this for me was a big opportunity.”
Now adapting to life at Stamford Bridge, Essugo says the transition has been made smoother by Chelsea’s support, both for himself and his family.
“Chelsea helped my parents so many times. When my father said Chelsea want me to come here, of course I can’t say no.”
Essugo praised new manager Enzo Maresca and teammates like Romeo Lavia for accelerating his learning.
“It is a different level. The players are amazing… for me it is an amazing feeling to be here.”
