Luisão: “This will be my last year as a Benfica’s athlete”

The Benfica’s captain, Luisão, was the spokesman and talked to the Press a few minutes before the afternoon training session, the second one in Tróia. Admitted that the balance of the preseason is “pretty much satisfactory” and left a revelation.

“The balance is satisfactory. At the beginning we take each step in a growing perspective, but the balance until now, which is still fresh, is pretty much satisfactory because we already managed to delineate the group’s profile, in terms of friendship and quality”, he said.

About the possibility of arriving at 2018/19 with an extra power due to the previous season failure, the defender was peremptory: “We only win titles for the way we work in the preseason. If we have been achieving titles in the last years and if we have been among the first places is because of work that we do since the beginning”

Luisão has extended his contract for one more season and revealed that this will be his last one as a professional footballer.

“The renewal issue, in accordance with the relation I have with Benfica, was never an issue. Things happen naturally. I know where I want to go and Benfica too. In relation to the 16^th season, I expect the support of all the Benfiquistas, because they helped me growing since the moment I came here. They helped to build what I am today. They are with me since my first year and they will be with me in my last year as a Benfica’s professional athlete, for sure”, he shared.

The receipt for the launching of the season is there and it starts with an important competition…

“We hope to start strong in the competitions ahead. The Champions is very important, and the Board and the managers have spoken about it. I come to give it all and there is one thing that is not changing: the pride and happiness that is to wear the red jersey. I will be available just like my teammates”, he declared.

Benfica already signed Conti and Lema for the center defense, who joined the other existing players in the squad. But Luisão is not afraid and assures that will fight to be a starter during the season.

“It was never easy since the moment I arrived at Benfica. I feel happy when Benfica signs talented players. For what I have seen in the training sessions, they will play an important role during the season”, he considered.

On Tuesday, July 10, at 7:00 pm, Benfica plays its first preseason match. The opponent is the Napredak for the Sad Tournament.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica