On Tuesday, Sporting Kansas City announced the transfer of midfielder Oriol Rosell to Sporting CP in Lisbon, Portugal. Rosell joined Sporting KC in August 2012 and broke into the starting lineup prior to the 2013 season. The Barcelona Academy product started 31 matches in 2013 as Sporting KC won the MLS Cup championship.
Below is a letter that Rosell posted on his Instagram account thanking members of the Sporting Kansas City family.
Dear SKC Family,
As you may know, I have been given a wonderful opportunity to play soccer in Lisbon, Portugal with Sporting Clube de Portugal. Although I am no longer a Sporting Kansas City player, I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye and giving you my sincere thanks for all the support you’ve given me during these past two years.
After coming here from my little hometown of Puig-Reig, Catalonia, to Kansas City, I could have never imagined all the experiences I would have both as a player and as a human being. In Kansas City, I was given the chance to grow and learn from Major League Soccer. The drive and the never-give-up mentality of the American people impressed me.
I would love to thank all the SKC coaches and staff for promoting this mindset and for all the support and confidence they gave me from day one. You’ve shown me the path to follow, so I can continue to grow as a soccer player.
Thanks to my teammates for all the great moments we’ve shared together. For me, you were not only SKC teammates, but also friends. I’ve learned so much because of you.
Thank you to the great SKC ownership group for giving me the opportunity to come to Kansas City.
Certainly, I can’t forget the amazing SKC fans. You all have been the 12th player to help us win two cups - the Lamar Hunt 2012 U.S. Open Cup and the 2013 MLS. Cup. I’ve enjoyed meeting you and giving everything I had in every game. And for those reasons, I’ll always be thankful for all your support.
Life sometimes presents us with difficult decisions. Given the opportunity proposed by the great Sporting Clube de Portugal to play in Europe where I am close to my family, and playing in the prestigious Portuguese league and UEFA Champions League, I couldn’t pass it up. I'm really excited to start this new adventure.
Thank you to all the friends who I’ve met and influenced my life during my stay in this great country. I wish you well.
Oriol “Uri” Rosell
