João Mario to complete return to Sporting CP

Sporting CP are to complete a deal to bring back former star midfielder João Mario from Italian outfit Inter Milan.

Sporting are going to seal the return of their former midfielder on a loan deal, capitalising on Inter Milan’s willingness to see the player depart.

Mario, who won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016, previously represented Sporting CP for five years between 2011 and 2016, before completing a huge 40 million euro move to Inter Milan.

The 27-year old has had a mixed time in Italy though, having since been loaned out to both West Ham United and Lokomotiv Moscow in search of increased game time.

Mario has represented Inter Milan on no fewer than 69 occasions since 2016 though, scoring 4 and assisting 13, but has not represented the club yet this season.

Sky Italy previously reported that Joao Mario already rejected a proposal from fellow Italian outfit Torino, but would be open to the prospect of returning to Lisbon and Sporting.

Joao Mario. Photo author: Антон Зайцев. License link.