In the end they are nothing more than children. Dario Essugo will not forget the night of March 20, 2021 when he first wore the Sporting de Portugal shirt at 16 years and 6 days. The young footballer jumped onto the field replacing his idol Joao Mario in the 84th minute against Vitoria de Guimaraes (1-0).
It was his debut with the first team and he was intoxicated with emotion. When the referee whistled the end of the game, Essugo couldn't hold back the tears. He fulfilled the dream of a boy who played with the team of his loves. What's more, made history at Sporting de Portugal, becoming the youngest footballer to debut with Los Leones ahead of Santamaría, defense that debuted on January 23, 1999, at 16 years, 11 months and 12 days, and also Marco Caneira, ex Valencia, who was 17 years old and one day when he made his debut. It also exceeded the record in the entity of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo (17 years, 6 months and 9 days).
“It is an indescribable sensation, in which I always breathed in and always dreamed. I have to thank everyone. It is only the beginning, to continue working and helping the club to achieve its goals. It is different to be playing at a senior level. They supported me and I was even more relaxed “, the star of the moment in Portugal explained still sobbing. Essugo was not alone and He received the affection and consolation of all his companions once the meeting was over. The young midfielder is another bet from coach Rúben Amorim who did not hesitate to give the alternative to Portuguese as he has already done with other homegrown players (up to seven in recent months).
Essugo signed his first professional contract on March 17 and just three days later he beat the entity's precocious record amidst a sea of tears of joy.