Welcome back, Yuri!

After one-year loan spell at Rio Ave, Yuri Ribeiro returns to Benfica to integrate the squad that will tackle the 2018/19 season. A Portugal U-21 International, the left-back renewed contract with the Club for five seasons.

“What I feel is a sense of accomplishment. I worked a lot to get here. I am very happy to return to Benfica. Now is to continue the work done. I already missed this club a lot. I have a lot of love for Benfica and I always dreamed of being here ”, said Yuri Ribeiro, in exclusive statements.

In 2017/18, on loan at Rio Ave, the left-back had the opportunity to play in the Portuguese first league and to grow as a player.

“I knew it was going to be a season of effort and resilience, of hard work and sacrifice. I knew that, if I would do a good job, I would be able to return. Now I am here, it is time to take the chance and work hard to conquer a lot of things”, declared the defender.

Before going to Vila do Conde, Yuri Ribeiro was the owner of the left side of the defense of Benfica B. With Rio Ave, he played 29 matches and accumulated nice performances.

“Benfica B was a little bit different of what is expected in I Liga. Rio Ave helped me to keep in the process and today I am a better person and a better player too”, highlighted Yuri Ribeiro.

In December 2016, Yuri Ribeiro had the opportunity to debut with Benfica’s first team, with a victory over Real SC, for the Portuguese Cup. Two weeks later, the defender, after Rui Vitória’s request, played againg with the sacred kettle, this turn at Estádio da Luz against Vizela, for the League Cup. Those are moments which Yuri will never forget.

“I will never forget my debut at Estádio da Luz. To play in this Stadium with so much people is a wonderful memory. But I want to look at the future and to step very often on the grass”, said the player

“If we want to reach our dreams, we have to work hard. To be able to play here in this Stadium it is necessary a lot of sacrifice. What I am going to do since day 1 is to work hard in order to achieve the goals”, he concluded.

Text: João Sanches

Pics: Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica