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Yebda: “Rui Costa was decisive in my decision to come to Benfica”

Frenchman happy in Lisbon, but pleased with Inter interest

Benfica midfielder Hassan Yebda is thoroughly enjoying his time with his new club. Having been bought from Le Mans in the summer, the Frenchman has quickly adapted to Lisbon, the team and Portuguese football, and was voted Player of the Month in September.

“I settled quickly as people here are very open-minded in terms of language. Everyone speaks Spanish or English. Portuguese is very difficult, but I have started to learn to say a few words,” Yebda told French website Footmercato.net.

The combative midfielder went on to explain why he chose Benfica as his next destination, revealing that he had many more offers to mull over. “I was in the final year of my contract and I had many options, including to stay at Le Mans, but the Benfica executives did everything they could to sign me.”

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“In Ligue 1, Monaco and St Etienne were very interested, and there was also PSG and Marseille, but nothing concrete. Abroad, Dynamo Kiev, Siena, Roma, Lazio and Borussia Dortmund were also interested.

“But it was a great honour to have been contacted by Rui Costa personally. He was a great player. He played for Fiorentina, AC Milan and the Portugal national team. It’s not the same when just any director contacts you. This is a person who played football and he understands us. It is extraordinary to know he wants you to play for his club.”

Yebda believes that his option for Benfica will also help him realise a dream – to make the France national squad. “It’s a dream to play for the French national team. I lived in France and I dream of playing for them. I signed with a club like Benfica in order to do just that.”


Related: Hassan Yebda PortuGOAL profile


Although very happy in the Portuguese capital, 24-year-old admitted he was flattered and interested when hearing of Inter Milan’s enquiries about in him: “I’ve followed this interest and spoken a lot to my agent about it.

“I’m happy but at the moment I’m a Benfica player. I signed a contract for five years, not five months. I’m going to study the situation carefully, but before summer I won’t be going anywhere. I want to continue playing and progressing. If there is anything concrete I’m sure the Benfica directors will talk to me.”

Young duo contracted

In other team news, Benfica have announced the 18-year-old striker Leandro Pimenta has signed his first professional contract which will keep him with the club until 2012.

The Lisbon club have also acquired 50% of the sporting rights of 19-year-old attacking midfielder Elkeson from Brazilian club Vitoria da Bahia. The player could arrive as early as the January transfer window.