Liedson keen to make up for lost time
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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Prolific Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Liedson said he felt in "very good physical and mental condition" on his return from injury ahead of his first UEFA Champions League tie this season away to FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
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Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Liedson said he felt in "very good physical and mental condition" as he prepared to return to UEFA Champions League action at FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
Winning goal
The 30-year-old Brazilian, whose nine goals propelled Sporting to the final of the 2004/05 UEFA Cup, returned to action at the end of last month after five months out with a knee injury. Following substitute appearances in defeats by SL Benfica and FC Porto he started Saturday's Portuguese Cup game against UD Leiria and scored the winning goal on 30 minutes.
Troubled times
The sight of Liedson dribbling past two defenders before powerfully firing his side ahead was sweet relief for Sporting fans, who will be looking for him to spark their moribund season to life. After just five matches Sporting are already well off the pace in the Liga and also in need of points in the UEFA Champions League as they embark on back-to-back ties against Shakhtar.
'Special role'
Liedson, though, looked to calm rising expectations as he works his way back to full fitness. "I realise my role in the team is special, but we play as a team and the result depends on every player," he said. "I feel in very good physical and mental condition, but it is up to the coach to decide if I'm ready to play the whole match. Either way, with or without me, we are very well prepared for the Shakhtar tie, and all of us will do everything in our power to get the desired result in Donetsk."
Sporting record
Liedson has scored a remarkable 81 goals in 148 matches in the Portuguese Liga and has also made his mark in Europe where he has struck eleven times in the UEFA Champions League and 17 in European competition overall. Only Manuel Fernandes and João Lourenço, both with 18, have scored more for Sporting in Europe, but as he closes on their record Liedson is more concerned about results than personal accolades. "I would be glad to make history for the club, but the team's results matter more for me," he said. "Whatever the statistics say I'm only thinking of how to help Sporting grab points in Donetsk."