Lema: “Benfica is out of this world”

Cristian Lema granted an interview to BTV, to whom he spoke about the first days representing Benfica. The 28-year-old new signing for 2018/19, who is eager to make is, admits that the adaptation is going well and only thinks about seizing this opportunity.

“I am happy. I am getting to know the group, I know it is very united. I have been noticing every day that Benfica is a big Club. I want to seize this opportunity”, he said.

Football and the training session in Portugal are different when compared to Argentina, but the defender feels more and more integrated.

“The adaptation is going well. The language is similar and there is no problem on that aspect- In footballing term, I notice that here football is quicker, the ball on the pitch is played differently. I want to adapt quickly”, he analyzed.

Yet, there is something that has been impressing him more than all the rest…

“The stadium! The stadium is very beautiful. The red makes it stronger. I just imagine the desire to step on to the pitch. People told me that the supporters are enthusiastic. I hope we make a good season”, he wished.

The first contact with the Benfiquistas will on July 7 in the training session open to the public before the departure to Tróia.

“Yes, in the open training session we will surely have a lot of people. I eagerly wait for the debut to see the stadium full. We will have important matches, the first one to qualify for the Champions League”, he stated.

The compliments extend to the squad under Rui Vitória. The quality is clear and Lema has noticed that.

“They are all good. To arrive at a group like this is easier. I am very happy. Now I must be focused and support my teammates when needed”, he stressed.

“The coach tries to have the training sessions always at full speed, with the highest concentration. When it is to work, it is to work, but then we also play”, he revealed.

Benfica’s organization that leaves Lema impressed

“The Club pays attention to every detail so that every player may give his best on the pitch. From the moment we enter the dressing room… The other day there was a photo shoot and there were a lot of people. It is out of this world. In Argentina, things are not so organized. I told my friends that movement that one lives at Benfica is unbelievable. Every day it goes by, I am happier. Now I must seize the opportunity”, he said.

“In Argentina, we know what Benfica, but we see it differently… I saw the Museum and many other things and its incredible!”, he completed.

To follow the footsteps of Aimar, Saviola and Di María

At the Eagles have already played Argentinean stars such as Aimar, Saviola and Di María. Cristian Lema admits that that leaves him happy.

“There always have been Argentineans playing here. People told that the majority did very well. We have Argentines in the team and that helps the adaptation. Conti and I arrived together and we speak about what the Club is, about what we see, the work… ... things that interest us. Then there is the whole movement and organization. Benfica is an exemplary club, "he said.

“I hope to be like them, to leave a mark if I leave one day. All speak well of them, they were very good in terms of football, "he said.