Svilar: “I only think about Benfica”

Member of Benfica's delegation that was present in the Web Summit, Svilar saw his attributes as a goalkeeper be praised by his teammate Júlio César e he reviewed his first few months with a eagle to his chest.

“How I felt when I saved the penalty at Old Trafford and at the end of the match? I had mixed feelings, because we lost the match. The ball struck the post [in Manchester United's goal] and then on my back and got in. But I felt proud and happy. It was a long night of travel.”, stated the 18-year-old Belgian.

Mile Svilar says that at Benfica he is the type of goalkeeper he always wanted to be: bold and fast coming off the goal and even off the penalty area.

“That is my style. I didn't change, I was taught that way and i always play like that. I want to be the best in the world. But I have to go step by step and work everyday. I'm grateful to old guy [Júlio César] with whom I learn at training”, added Svilar, laughing .

Born in Belgium, Svilar hass Serbian ascendancy, being now disputed by those countries national teams having in mind representing the Senior National Team in the future.

“National team? It is not the moment to think about that. I only think about Benfica”, stressed Svilar.

Text: Sónia Antunes and Filipa Fernandes Garcia

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro / SL Benfica