Sporting Lisbon Boss Ruben Amorim Apologises For Holding Talks With West Ham

Amorim was pictured in London with West Ham officials earlier this month as he emerged as a contender to replace David Moyes should the Scot leave his post at the end of the season.

Amorim has also been linked with Liverpool recently but the Merseyside club's soon-to-be vacant managerial position is set to be filled by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.

The 39-year-old looks set to win his second league title with Sporting Lisbon as they hold a four-point advantage at the top of the table.

Amorim has accepted that it was disrespectful to hold talks with another club at a crucial stage of the season.

"So, let's get the elephant out of the room and I'll talk about it once," Amorim said in a press conference to preview Sunday's trip to Porto.

"The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip. It's important and changes the context.

"Then, let's talk about the 'cloak of secrecy' that surrounded the trip... I 'secretly' parked the car outside, secretly walked past 15 people and took photographs, then got on a plane behind the club's back. 

"It didn't happen in secret or without permission. Obviously my trip was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong, it didn't seem right at the time. 

"It was wrong, especially when I'm so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one's actions can overpower the team. I have removed players from the squad for much less.

"It was my mistake, I have to accept it and live with it. It didn't seem so bad at the time but thinking about it later, it's very clear.

"Now it's time to move on. I apologise to the Sporting fans, the staff and, mainly, to my players for the mistake I made."