Javi García: “In Portugal I would only play at Benfica. I would never betray the club”

Javi García stressed again, in an interview with the Official Site, that, in Portugal, he would play in no other club than Benfica.

The midfielder, now playing for Betis, analyzed the current moment of the team led by Rui Vitória and confessed he believes in the fifth consecutive league title.

“Yes, I believe. Benfica already won four championships in a row and it is increasing difficult to defend the title because the other team invest more in new signings – FC Porto, Sporting, SC Braga – and for that reason it will be increasingly difficult. But I am sure they will manage to win the fifth championship in a row and make history”, stated Javi García.

The Spanish left Benfica to join Manchester City and, two years late, moved to Saint Petersburg to play for Zenit. In February 2016, he returned to Luz, but this time to play for the Russian side, he would eventually lose (1-0, goal from Jonas), in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

“It was good to return. I really wanted to play again at Estádio da Luz an important match. It was very special and hopefully I will have another opportunity to play in that stadium. We were on the back of a stage in which we had been a month and a half without competing and we didn't go through to the quarter finals.”, remembered the midfielder.

In August, Javi García return to Spain and signed a contract with Real Betis until 2020.

“I'm glad things are going well. I have adapted well, the club has great players and a great coach. The team is playing very well, it is displaying a good football”, he said.

He said it once in an interview and he says it again: “In Portugal I would only play at Benfica.”

“Of course. I would feel very bad, I would feel I was betraying everyone that has affection for me. It is inconceivable for me to play in another club in Portugal that is not Benfica”, he concluded.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica