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Tag: Benfica

  • Benfica go public to deny Diego Costa

    Benfica go public to deny Diego Costa

    Benfica have gone public to deny reports of an agreement with Diego Costa.

    Mundo Deportivo has reported former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Costa had reached an agreement in principle to join Jorge Jesus’s side ahead of next season.

    However, Benfica took the unusual step of refuting the claim in a club statement on Thursday.

    “Benfica denies that any negotiations have taken place regarding the signing of forward Diego Costa,” it read.

    “The club reiterates that until the end of the season their entire footballing professional structure’s focus will only be on the remaining ten games of the league season and the Taca de Portugal final.”

  • Matic tells Benfica: If you need me – call

    Matic tells Benfica: If you need me – call

    Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic says retirement hasn’t crossed his mind.

    Indeed, if it can’t be with United, Matic has said he would like to play for Benfica again.

    He told Record: “I still don’t think about retirement. Benfica has always been in my heart. If this team needs me, then I am ready to consider the proposal.

    “At the same time, I don’t think about leaving Manchester United yet, I like it here, but anything can happen in football.

    “In general, if one day I return to Portugal, Benfica is the only team for which I want to play for there.”

  • David Luiz confirms Benfica transfer talks as Arsenal’s contract set to expire

    Luis Filipe Vieira, club president of Benfica, is plotting a move to secure his former star’s services, Luiz has confirmed.

    He told Portuguese newspaper Record: “I already spoke with Vieira about the return.

    “My dream is to end my career at Benfica.

    “When, I don’t know, but it will happen… it will, if president Vieira allows me and if the fans want me to come back.

    “It will be one of the most beautiful moments of my career.”

    Brazil international Luiz first arrived at Lisbon club Benfica while still a teenager, signing as a little-known prospect on an initial loan deal from Vitoria.

  • EPL: Mourinho makes first Tottenham signing

    EPL: Mourinho makes first Tottenham signing

    Premier League giants, Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Benfica’s Gedson Fernandes on loan.

    Spurs made this known in a statement on the club’s official website on Wednesday morning.

    The statement read: “We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for the 18-month loan of Gedson Fernandes from Benfica with an option to make the transfer permanent.

    “The midfielder will wear the number 30 shirt for the remainder of this season.

    “A product of the Benfica academy, Gedson made his first team debut last season and was named the Primeira Liga’s Best Young Player of the Month for August. He went on to finish the season as a league champion, making 22 appearances as The Eagles secured their 37th Primeira Liga title. In total, he has made 53 appearances in all competitions for Benfica, scoring three times.

    “On the international stage, he has made more than 50 appearances for Portugal, representing his country at every age group from Under-15 upwards, including winning two caps for the senior team to date. He was also a member of the Portugal side that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2016.”

  • Transfer: Benfica’s Fernandes due for Tottenham medical

    Transfer: Benfica’s Fernandes due for Tottenham medical

    Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes is due to have a medical at Tottenham on Monday before an 18-month loan to the Premier League club.

    Fernandes had been targeted by West Ham but has opted instead to join Jose Mourinho at Spurs.

    If he passes the medical, the 21-year-old will become Mourinho’s first signing as Tottenham manager.

    “I am waiting for news,” Mourinho said on Monday. “I don’t want to talk about a Benfica player.”

    It is understood Tottenham will have an option to buy Fernandes when his loan deal with the Premier League club expires in 2021.

    His arrival will be a boost for Mourinho, who has lost skipper Harry Kane and influential midfielder Moussa Sissoko to long-term injury.

  • Jose Mourinho turns down job offer

    Jose Mourinho turns down job offer

    Jose Mourinho has rejected an offer to return to Benfica to become their new manager.

    TNG recalls that Benfica fired manager Rui Vitoria on Thursday, after a poor run of results which sees them sit seven points behind leaders Porto in fourth spot.

    It is understood Mourinho would prefer to take up a position at one of Europe’s leading clubs.

    However, Benfica earlier considered re-hiring Mourinho for the remainder of the season, to fill Vitoria’s void and help steady the ship in the second half of the 2018/2019 campaign.

    The Portuguese giant was the first club that Mourinho managed, taking the helm at the Águias between September and December in 2000.

    He won six of his 11 games while in charge, drawing three and losing two.

     

  • Jose Mourinho’s next appointment revealed

    Jose Mourinho could be set for a quick return to management, with Benfica reported to be considering his appointment.

    Despite back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017, Benfica fired manager Rui Vitoria on Thursday, after a poor run of results which sees them sit seven points behind leaders Porto in fourth spot.

    According to The Times, Benfica are considering re-hiring Mourinho for the remainder of the season, to fill Vitoria’s void and help steady the ship in the second half of the 2018/2019 campaign.

    Benfica was the first club that Mourinho managed, taking the helm at the Águias between September and December in 2000.

    He won six of his 11 games while in charge, drawing three and losing two.

  • UCL: Bayern demolish Benfica in six-goal thriller to reach last 16

    Braces from Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski helped Bayern Munich to a 5-1 victory over Benfica on Tuesday evening at the Allianz Arena.

    The German champions came into the match with their manager Niko Kovac udner immense pressure after a difficult start to the season.

    However Robben gave them the perfect start with 13 minutes on the clock when he produced a trademark cut inside and curl to the far corner with his left.

    And the experienced Dutchman doubled the lead with an almost carbon copy, only sending the shot down the middle this time.

    Two flicked headers from corners for Lewandowski, either side of a consolation for Benfica sub Gedson Fernandes, saw Bayern take charge and Franck Ribery capped off a good night for Kovac.

    The result puts Bayern through and they will now battle it out with Ajax for top spot in the group.

    The two sides meet in the final matchday in Amsterdam with Ajax two points behind Bayern.