Benfica extends Keaton Parks' contract until 2022

Benfica proceeded with contract renewal Keaton Parks, extending the connection until 2022.

With this decision, the Benfica SAD lead by Luís Filipe Vieira reinforces the investment made in the summer transfer market, when they signed the young American midfielder who stood out in Portugal, having then penned a 4-year contract (until 2021).

“I feel very well, I'm very excited to start a new stage at Benfica, continue my journey here and have my chance in the first team and in the B team as I move forward”, said Keaton Parks to BTV, after penning a new contract with Benfica.

Born 20 years ago in Texas, Keaton Parks began the season in the Benfica B squad and in week 3 of the Ledman LigaPro he was already a starter in the team coached by Hélder Cristóvão.

“As it was a new team, I didn't have many expectations, I didn't know what to expect, but it has been an amazing experience. Playing with the B team and having my opportunity in the first team: Training with them every day, playing in the weekend, has been good.", highlighted the midfielder.

The first call-up happened on November 17^th; in the next day, the player made his debut in the first team in the match of the 4^th round of the Portuguese Cup at Estádio da Luz against Vitória de Setúbal.

“It was a roller-coaster of emotions. It was a dream come true, playing in a big stadium in front of all those Benfica supporters. It was a crazy night for me”, he admitted.

In the 69^th minute of the match against the "sadinos", Keaton Parks, after being called by Rui Vitória, came off the bench and heard the applause of the supporters when he replaced Pizzi (69’).

“I have to admit, I was a little nervous preparing to enter the pitch, but it was good to replace Pizzi. I admire him a lot as a player and I want to play like him, be like him, so it was a great experience to enter for his position”, revealed Keaton Parks.

“Being on the pitch when we scored the second goal and celebrating with all my teammates was an amazing feeling”, he admitted.

The future is faced by Keaton Parks with ambition and serenity: “To continue at Benfica, work very hard, and, if everything goes well, have more opportunities in the first team, more minutes in matches and prove my quality.”

Text: João Sanches

Pics: João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica