Schaars feeling at home in Lisbon

Netherlands midfielder Stijn Schaars says he is enjoying life in Portugal after signing for Sporting Lisbon.

Schaars moved to the Estadio de Alvalade in the summer in a deal worth 850,000 euros and has been a regular figure in the club’s midfield, having featured in 11 games this season.

After playing eight years of senior football in his homeland across spells at Vitesse and AZ Alkmaar, the 27-year-old decided to try his luck abroad and said he is enjoying the experience.

“Everyone, including myself, is happy with the step I took,” Schaars told Record.

“I have proven I am capable of playing at a higher level. This is also the opinion of the Netherlands coach.”

“I had some doubts that I could continue to be called up to the national team, but they are very happy with how things have been going for me.”

“I am much stronger and I feel at home in Lisbon.”

Sporting are currently fourth in the Portuguese Liga on 14 points, three behind joint-leaders Porto and Benfica.