Welcome, Ferreyra!

Facundo Ferreyra is the new signing of Benfica for the 2018/19 season. The former Shakhtar Donetsk’s striker has signed a four-year deal and admitted to be delighted with the eagles’ “greatness”.

“It’s an enormous Club! I’m happy to be here. In order to play I got to be fit and mentally strong” said to BTV.

“It’s a big responsibility to wear Benfica’s jersey. "I am eager to meet my teammates and to start playing with this club", declared Ferreyra after signing contract and receiving the holy cloak from the President Luís Filipe Vieira’s hands.

The 27-year old player, is a compatriot of many footballers whom, recently, have played with the eagle on the chest (such as Di María, Aimar or Saviola), an aspect which made him follow Benfica from early on.

“I follow Benfica since I was young due to all the Argentinians footballers who have played here”, he declared.

Passing from Ukraine to Portugal is a big change in the life of Ferreyra, but the Argentinian wants to quick adaptation to the red reality.

“It’s a 100% change for me. Other culture, other city… I’m going to adapt quickly to the team, to the game plan, to my teammates and everything will be just fine”, he assured. “The supporters can expect a player who gives everything for the team, who is going to run, to try to score, to make sacrifices for the team”, he added.

“I already managed to have an idea about Benfica’s supporters, buy I already knew where I was coming to. The video (at Museum Benfica – Cosme Damião) is very exciting and I’m sure that I’m going to live this in many matches. I know that Benfica always plays with attendances of 55 thousand, 60 thousand people at Luz. It’s going to be a beautiful challenge”, he highlighted.

“In Argentina there is a similar atmosphere, the supporters act the same way. It will be like playing in Argentina again. I like to play with crowded stands”.

Still at the club’s museum, Ferreyra was able to get to know the large collection of trophies, from Football and Other Sports

“There are many trophies, not only about football but Other Sports too. While looking at the cups, I realized that Benfica already won the Championship and the Portuguese Cup many times. It’s going to be a challenge because Benfica is always forced to win”, he considered.

When reaching Eusébio’s area, the footballer did not forget the admiration for the King.

“He scored more than 600 goals with Benfica, he is a legend. Conquered lots of competitions and is the most important player of Benfica’s history”, he praised.

After a great season at the service of the Ukrainian Champion, the Argentinian has revealed why he decided to join the eagles.

“It’s a big challenge. When I was told about Benfica, I was sure of my decision, although I was good in Ukraine. I played all the matches, scored goals, was happy, but I needed to take a shot at a better league and with a big club.”

And about the 2018/19 season, what do Benfiquistas can expect from Facundo Ferreyra?

“To score goals, to help the team, to put some extra effort because it’s difficult to score every match. The most important thing is to help the team, to keep the ball possession, to create some plays.”

“I like to score headed goals, to make some moves with without the ball and to create goal chances”, completed the player.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Tânia Paulo and João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica