Bonds strengthened in adversity

BAH & MANU

February 8, 2025, Benfica-Moreirense, minutes 34 and 37: in an unbelievable and unfortunate turn of events at Estádio da Luz, Bah and Manu suffered the same serius injury. Now, eight months later, in a BPlay feature, the two players from the professional football squad talk about their joint recovery and the friendship that blossomed as a result.

MANU SILVA: I want to know, at that moment, did you realize it was that serious?

ALEXANDER BAH: Yes, I think so... I knew a second later because I heard a crack in my knee. Even though it wasn't a very sudden movement. I remember when the doctor came in. He examined my knee and immediately told the coach that I needed to be substituted. Then I realized it was... it was serious. Then they took me inside and three minutes later...

MS: I was there...

AB: I saw you come in and I was totally shocked because I didn't know what had happened... What happened?

MS:In my case, I simply didn't hear a pop, you know? For me, it was as if I felt my knee twist a little, and that was it. I was so warm that I didn't feel the pain, but I knew something was wrong. It's like having the feeling that something isn't right, but... I remember falling to the ground and hearing the fans, you know that ‘uhhhhh’ sound... I started to feel my knee go a little numb when I went inside, and the doctor came to do some tests. He felt my knee, and I asked something like, “Doctor, what do you mean?” And the moment he made that [facial] expression, I knew... I was still hoping it wasn't the ACL [anterior cruciate ligament], because it happens so often in football these days that you don't want to go through it.

AB: And for you, it was your first game at our stadium...

MS: Yes, it was my first time. Since it was my debut, I felt...

AB: It wasn't really the debut, was it?

MS: At the Estádio da Luz... I felt like, you know... I wasn't nervous at all during away games, but at the Estádio da Luz... During that game, I was nervous. But anyway, that's how it is. That's life, life goes on.

AB: I still get goosebumps when we play at home, so it's normal.

MS: I always try to calm myself down as much as possible, even before games, I'm so calm. But when you go in, you go to warm up... You can't help it, you can't get around that anxiety you're going to feel. And I had already played at Estádio da Luz, as a visitor, but it's different. For me, it was a mixture of emotions. I was fulfilling a childhood dream, obviously, and realizing that in 35/37 minutes... It was a mixture of emotions. Still, I had a sense of accomplishment, I felt proud of myself. But at the same time, I thought, “This had to be written,” you know? On the first day, the day I had dreamed of for so long, and at that moment, I take the hit... Now it's easier to look back and separate the emotions.

AB: Yes, and you'll still have plenty of games. Unfortunately, now I have to see you every day. Some days are good, others not so much.

MS: It's been getting harder and harder to deal with you every day, but we'll get there.

AB: Yes.

MS: We can do it.

AB: Yes, bro.

MS: The best thing, if there is a best thing, is the feeling of having someone who is going through the same difficulties, who shares the same achievements, someone with whom to share the pain. Sometimes, when you are going through these kinds of situations, you feel that people don't understand... And in this situation, I am sure that you have the same difficulties, and I know that I can help you on the bad days. It's as if it's easier to get through the bad days when you know you have someone who is going through the same thing. And the bond we've created... We like the same things, for example, we like listening to music, having a good laugh, enjoying the little things in everyday life. And I think it's been good, so thank you. .

[handshake]

AB: Now I have to say the same thing [laughs]?

MS: You can say “Yes, the same,” and it's done.

AB: No, I totally agree. It's as if we share the pain, but also the success, because right now the other players are busy with the games and focused on winning. And for us, winning is the next goal in our recovery, so it made things easier, if you can say that. And I think I can also say that our friendship has been strengthened.

MS: Yes.

AB: Although it's a long injury and it's difficult every day, I like coming here and knowing that there's someone else going through the same journey.

MS: And it's as if, in a way...

AB: This is getting very romantic [laughs].

AB: It's been tough, but yes, at least we have each other, we have the physical therapists too...

MS: Yes, yes.

AB: We mustn't forget them; they are doing an excellent job.

MS: And it's not because... You recognize the quality of their work, but you also realize that they end up being a bit like our psychologists, right?

AB: That is probably the most difficult part.

MS: Everyone played a very important role in our recovery, which is still ongoing. Even if we return sooner or later, it will endure because this is what we get out of soccer, the relationships we build along the way.

AB: We've been training together for seven months and I've never heard you speak so highly of me [laughs]. Now that the camera is on, suddenly...

MS: What do you want me to say, something I say every day?

AB: I think the support speaks for itself. Everyone is rooting for us, and when it happened, our teammates sent messages, as did the fans. It wasn't a surprise because, for me, it's a family club. You feel the pain of your teammates, and also of the fans, when things are difficult. So, for me, it wasn't a surprise, but it helped me a lot. I think it's like everything else in life. It helps us a lot to take the next steps and move forward.

MS: Yes, I agree. I knew that, I knew the magnitude of the Club. I knew that Benfica has everything it takes, but feeling it is a little different, you know? Feeling that our teammates tried to make me part of the team, the way they did, made me feel really good. You know the feeling, but when you really feel the affection from everyone, from the fans... I was telling our teammates that two weeks ago, I came to train in the afternoon. The team had trained in the morning, and a family waited for about three hours just to say to me: “Come on, you'll get better. Let's take a photo.” You hear these things, but when you experience them, it's totally different.

MS: My father, my family... they support us. For example, I can say that my father and mother said at that moment, “Players in the second and third divisions also get injured, with serious injuries like this, and they don't have what you have.” That makes you realize and appreciate the things you have, the people you have around you, and it's been incredible. It has given me... When I was a child, of course I was already a big fan, but now that I'm experiencing this... you immediately realize that I chose the right club, you know? It's incredible to feel this!

AB: Yes, and for me too, there aren't any major advantages to being injured, but I would say that sometimes...

MS: The kids?

AB: What?

MS: No, I thought you were going to talk about the kids, because...

AB: No, no. I spend a lot of time with the kids, which is also amazing, but you can feel the Club from the outside.

MS: Exactly.

AB: Usually, when you're experiencing everything, you don't realize it, but when you're in the stands, you really feel the passion and affection for the Club. Not only from the fans, but also from our family.

AB: It motivates you to come back, and even when you do come back... You know how people feel when you're there.

MS: One of the hardest things about being injured is being left out.

AB: Exactly.

MS: Watching the games from the sidelines, and even... I don't know... the anger, you know? When things aren't going well and you really want to help, because you bond with everyone, and it's been an incredible journey.

AB: Exactly.

MS: It was, no, it has been, it still continues.

AB: Yes, that's right.

AB: What are your expectations for this season?

MS: On an individual level? Being back.

AB: Hum-hum...

MS: In a safe way, but as soon as possible. Try to get back to where I was, or even better. Of course, I think about being a champion, that's a goal. I have to win a title, a national title. Make my debut in the Champions League too. I think everyone's goal is to win every competition we're in. I think that's the mindset. I think the group is very good, I feel good energy, you know? I feel the ambition... That desire to win, and that will help a lot. As for the new players, I think we are a group, and I felt it, we are a group that welcomes new players very well. It's easy to be part of this team. As for us, we have to keep working. And you, what do you think?

AB: I want to come back as soon as possible, but I also want to be ready when I return. I want to be ready to help the team. As for the new players... When you come here, expectations are huge. I would say that all the players have delivered. There have been some good signings, so I'm very happy with the team. Now is the time to take it one game at a time, and I hope we can get the 39th league title.

MS: The 39th league title. Yes!

AB: For me, the passion is very obvious! You can see it not only in home games, but also in away games.

MS: I agree.

AB: No matter where we are, when we play, we will always feel at home.

MS: For me, it's a little strange to talk about this because it seems forced, but... Even though I haven't played many games, you get that feeling that, even so, you'll be rewarded with the things that come from playing for Benfica. Like having so many people cheering for you, playing in our stadium... It's just different, you know? For me, it's different because it was also a childhood dream. If it's so good for you guys who are from outside, imagine for me, who always dreamed of this. I hope to play many more games here, but... yes. Even though I got injured in the same game, the feeling of entering the Estádio da Luz... Starting the game, hearing the anthem... It was really, really good.

AB: Yes, it's special. For me, and I'm not Portuguese... But my children are, they're Portuguese. I don't feel Portuguese, but I feel like I'm a Benfica fan. I've been here a long time, so...

MS: You've been here a long time, and I see that even players who haven't been here as long already have that feeling. For example, I was talking to Pavli [Pavlidis] the other day, we're neighbors, and he feels proud to be part of this club. And for me, I feel proud that you guys feel that pride, you know? It's a great club! People talk about the mystique, but the mystique, for me, is the people. Feeling that you have so many people looking out for you and doing everything they can so that you can just focus on playing well and performing well. And for me, that's the mystique. The fans cheer for you, they want you to do well, and then, for me, the mystique is reacting to that. It's realizing that everyone is giving me so much that I have to give my best to repay them. And that's it. That's my point of view.

AB: I think it's like you said, everyone feels that way...

MS: Exactly.

AB: Everyone knows it. You can say what you want, as many times as you want, but that also comes with high expectations and a lot of responsibility. So, yes, we can keep talking about it, but right now we need to keep showing it, every day, in the gym.

MS: We have Nuno [Félix] now, who is going through the same process, and I tried to tell him that. I tried to make him see that it's not the end of the world, it's normal in soccer for this kind of thing to happen. Football players have to be prepared to deal with this. I have a younger brother who also plays football, and I also try to make him understand that he may go through difficult times, but that things will continue, they will improve, and that it's just a matter of time and doing things right. If you have the right people by your side, it's just another stage.

AB: Exactly.

MS: I'm also curious about you. What I really want to know... Did you, like me, have the feeling of achieving a childhood dream that same week? I'm sure it was also a dream to become a father. How did it feel? How did you deal with all the different emotions you felt that week? I bet it was difficult, but it was probably difficult for your girlfriend too...

AB: It was very difficult because the pregnancy was a little more complicated than normal, because they are twins. I felt a little stressed and nervous, hoping that everything would go well. And when they were born, everything was fine, they were born healthy. And then this injury happened... I think it was harder for my girlfriend than for me because she had to take care of them while breastfeeding, and she was awake during the night. My fiancée... I need to correct that, my fiancée.

MS: That's right, congratulations!

AB: Thank you.

MS: It was recent, wasn't it?

AB: For me, it was a mixture of emotions because, on the one hand, I was able to spend more time with my family, but on the other hand, my ambition and career were put on hold. This is also why I have fought basically my whole life to reach this level and play here. Yes, it was very difficult, but right now I can spend time with my family and I need to take the positives from this, otherwise I would be very sad.

MS: Babies are already crawling, so...

AB: The babies are crawling, they are already crawling and smiling. I am very happy to have them and for the process, they have helped me a lot.

MS: Thank you.

MS: Final thoughts?

AB: Hello, Benfica fans, I'm Alexander Bah, and with me is Manu, Manuel Silva. He's a great player, a real star.

MS: Am I a star player?

AB: Every day, he works very hard. Very hard.

MS: I'm going to cry.

AB: I've been with Manuel [Manu Silva] for a long time, and I'm very happy to... What can I say, then?

MS: Benfica fans, we hope you enjoyed it.

AB: Manu, Manu, speak slowly.

MS: We hope you enjoyed it. “I hope you enjoyed” learning a little more about our recovery, about our relationship as teammates, which has grown stronger with each passing day. And I hope you continue to support us. We have felt enormous affection from you. I hope you continue to help us in this process.