What is RSS?

Reyes would sign long-term Benfica contract “with my eyes shut”

Rejuvenated winger loving life in the Portuguese capital

Jose Antonio Reyes is enjoying a resurgence to his career with Benfica and the player could not be happier.

Having made the move to the Portuguese giants in the summer from Atletico Madrid, the Spaniard has become a firm fans’ favourite with his sparkling performances for the club.

The former Arsenal player himself admits that he senses a change for the better and is grateful for having made the move to join Benfica.

“I have been at this club for four months and I feel well adapted, as do my family as well. Yes, I would sign a long-term contract with my eyes closed as I am very happy here,” beamed Reyes.

Although the player and team have been on a good run of form as of late, the Spanish international admits that work still has to be done in order to reach the level that coach Quique Flores wants.

Constant improvement

“There is still a lot to be done. One has to realise that each day we are getting better. But to reach the level that Quique wants, there is still a little lacking.

“The work that Quique is doing is going well. He is a coach that likes to work hard. He always demands one hundred percent and this is very important.

“When it is time to laugh, he is the first to do so, but when it is time to work, he is also the first to start working. These qualities are very good for a player.”

Reyes went on to add that a big reason he joined Benfica was because of Flores’ appointment as the club’s head coach.

The winger’s form is sure to catch the eye of Spain’s new national coach Vicente del Bosque, but for now Reyes explains that his primary objective is Benfica.

“I don’t know if he is paying attention or not. What concerns me is the work that I am doing, and playing for Benfica. I’ll try to score as many goals as I can and above all try and help the team win. This is why I came. Regarding the rest, we will see.”

Galatasaray match crucial

The Benfica man is suspended for the Portuguese Cup tie against Desportivo das Aves this coming weekend after having been sent off in the 2-1 victory against Vitoria Guimaraes, but the Spaniard will take his place in the side for Thursday’s Uefa Cup match against Turkish giants Galatasaray.

“If we win we will take a great big step towards qualification. The game on Thursday is vitally important. It will be as if it was a final and that is how we will approach it. With the support of our fans in the stadium we will manage to achieve victory.”