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Sporting Cristal closed one of the most important deals this season: the sale of Jesus Castillo to Gil Vicente, a club that plays in the First Division of Portugal. The national midfielder earned a place in the starting team of Sporting Cristal, accumulating a total of 117 matches, three goals, and two assists since his debut in 2020. He also managed to be called up to the Peruvian National Team. Therefore, this transfer represents a dream opportunity for the 22-year-old midfielder, who hopes to continue his career in Europe.
This was announced in his latest interview with Bets Cable, where he expressed that he plans to take full advantage of this opportunity, not only for himself but also for all the people who supported him. "You always have to do things right, it's a dream that I'm fulfilling and I'm going to give my best. The family is always supporting, it's a dream for everyone, their support is very important, and I will do it for them as well," he said.
He also added, "I want to stay there for a long time, build my career, and give my best." Currently, Castillo is joining the preseason of the Portuguese club, although they will play the first round of the League Cup against Uniao Desportiva Oliveirense this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (Peruvian time). Training is expected to continue until the start of the tournament in mid-August.
Regarding the legacy left by Sporting Cristal, from his start in the youth academy to his professional development in recent seasons, Castillo only had words of gratitude. "Thank you for everything they have given me, for what they have always provided, for the support, and I will honor the name of Sporting Cristal," he emphasized.
Tiago Nunes' team is currently fighting for the top of the Clausura table, after Carlos A. Mannucci's victory last Saturday (they have 10 points, the same as Universitario, who only surpasses them by one goal difference). They are also participating in the play-offs of the Copa Sudamericana, a scenario that may intimidate many, but not the 'celestes': "The team will continue fighting, the championship will be exciting."
Finally, he referred to the chance of being called up again to the Peruvian National Team, as happened in the recent call-ups by Juan Reynoso. "I have always been thinking about the national team and it is one of my dreams to always play for the national team," he emphasized in the interview.
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