Dier returns to Sporting Lisbon

Eric Dier has decided against staying with Everton and has opted to return to parent club Sporting Lisbon.

Eric signed for the Blues on loan as a 16-year-old in the January 2011 transfer window on a short term deal until the summer when he then agreed to extend his loan for the full 2011/12 season.

Born in England, Eric moved to Portugal in 2003 at the age of 8 and became the first Englishman to play for Sporting Lisbon.

He captained the club at U15 level and progressed to become a regular in the U17 side whilst also turning out for the U19s - a sign of his enhanced development.

Under the mentorship of the iconic Paulo Cardoso (the man who scouted Ronaldo and Nani for Sporting) Dier had been expected to break through into the Sporting first team setup but instead joined Everton.

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he has always had the make up to be a commanding centre half and his exploits have been recognised by the Portuguese national team, who attempting to select him for a U17 international. But Dier, decided against the call-up in favour of representing England.

Now 18, he would appear to believe that returning to Portugal offers him the best hope of first team football.

'We wanted him to stay with us... we knew he wanted to be in the first team, even though there would be little chance. Everton boss David Moyes told O Jogo newspaper.

He continued: 'Maybe [coach Ricardo] Sa Pinto and Sporting have other plans for him.'

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