Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has apologized for conducting discussions with West Ham, admitting it was a “mistake.”
The Portuguese had met with the Hammers in London in April to discuss the possibility of replacing David Moyes at the London Stadium.
Amorim stated that he had informed Sporting about the talks, ensuring that there was no “secrecy” involved.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that it was “disrespectful” to engage in conversations with another club.
“What is important to say is that it was obviously a mistake,” Amorim told Portuguese media in a news conference.
“The trip was a mistake, the timing was completely misjudged, which I did not see at the time. It was misjudged.”
Amorim guided Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during his first full season in charge in 2022.
Sporting are well positioned to clinch the title again this season, holding a seven-point lead over Benfica with four games left.
Amorim, who previously engaged in discussions with Chelsea in 2022 about succeeding Thomas Tuchel, mentioned that he has to “live with” his decision to meet with West Ham, and he expressed his hope for forgiveness from Sporting fans.
“I gave the players an explanation. I also gave an explanation to the staff as I should have,” said Amorim.
“But now it is about continuing forward, clearly aside from all that, publicly I ask for forgiveness from the Sportinguistas [Sporting fans]. I apologise to the staff, and also I apologise first and foremost publicly to my players for the mistake.”
Moyes joined West Ham in December 2019 for his second stint in east London and ended the club’s 43-year wait for a trophy with a Europa Conference League victory in 2023.
The Scot is the seventh-longest serving manager across England’s top four divisions.
Moyes’ contract expires at the end of the season, when the club will evaluate his position.