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Sunderland striker Luis Hemir has delivered his verdict on the prospect of one day playing for the Black Cats again, suggesting that he is thinking “day by day, game by game” in an effort to build his future at the highest level of the game.

The Portuguese forward signed for the Premier League new boys from Benfica’s youth system in 2023, but struggled to make much of an impact on the first team in England, failing to score or assist across 24 senior outings.

Off the back of his relatively dismal debut campaign, he was shipped out on loan to Juventus Next Gen, the reserve team of the Italian giants who compete in Serie C, but once again failed to find the back of the net on a consistent basis, registering two strikes in 27 appearances.

Now, the 22-year-old is enjoying another temporary stint away from the Stadium of Light having signed for top flight outfit Moreirense this summer. At the of writing, he has made two senior appearances for the club, both from the bench.

What has Luis Hemir said about his future and the possibility of playing for Sunderland again one day?

But while Hemir is seemingly still getting to grips with the rigours of senior football, he is not lacking ambition or belief that he can still realise his lofty aspirations to reach the upper echelons of the game.

In a fresh interview with local Portuguese outlet TSF, when asked about Sunderland’s stellar start to the new campaign back in the North East, the attacker said: “I wish my team all the success, since I’m still a Sunderland player. But I have to focus on where I am and give my 200% for Moreirense. It has truly been an excellent journey and they are very well-prepared. The coach is good and they are in good shape.”

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Hemir was also quizzed on whether his time at Moreirense could yet prove important for a possible return to Sunderland’s first team plans, he responded: “Yes. As I said, I prefer to always think day by day, game by game, and always try to do my best. Then, when the time comes to make decisions, I choose my own future.”

He added: “I still have some goals, and that’s why I fight every day. Obviously, I also want to play at another level, the Champions League level, and one day reach the national team. I believe that one day I will achieve them.”