Deep sorrow for Minervino Pietra

It is with deep sadness that Sport Lisboa e Benfica mourns the death of Minervino Pietra at the age of 70.

A man with a historic connection to the club has gone, an example of dedication and enormous Benfiquism, whether on the pitch or in the football structure.

More than half of his life has been dedicated to Benfica, as a player, analyst and, later, as resident coach of various technical teams in the Club's professional football squad

He was always an outstanding sportsman, as a player for Benfica and the national team and as a coach, who inspired the players by his example and the mystique he always instilled in the youngsters.

He joined the club in 1976 and remained a Benfica fan until the last day of his life. As a player, he made 407 appearances with the Sacred Mantle and scored 34 goals. He also collected titles, winning four National Championships, five Portuguese Cups, two Super Cups and two Honorary Cups. He was led by coaches such as John Mortimore, Mário Wilson, Lajos Baroti and Sven-Göran Eriksson. His experience as an elite footballer shaped his profile as a coach.

During his time as assistant coach to Jorge Jesus, Rui Vitória and Bruno Lage, he won six league titles, two Portuguese Cups, six League Cups and four Super Cups. In all, as a player and coach at Benfica, Minervino Pietra won 31 official titles and trophies.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica will do everything it can to perpetuate the memory of a professional of excellence and a man of rare character. Minervino Pietra will always be recognized as one of us, a bearer and guardian of the mystique.

To Minervino Pietra's family, Sport Lisboa e Benfica sends its deepest condolences.