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| Friday, 09 September 2011 10:47 |
Luisao extends Benfica contract"I will end my career at Benfica" Benfica announced yesterday that club captain Luisao has extended his contract by three years, tying him to the club until June 2016, by which time the Brazilian centre-back will be 35. Speaking to Benfica TV, the club's longest-serving player declared "I will end my career at Benfica, in five or six years."
Luisao joined Benfica from Cruzeiro in 2003, and has remained a virtual fixture in the side ever since, remaining as a host of players and coaches have come and gone at the Luz. He recently passed the 300-game mark for the Eagles, and has also become the non-Portuguese player with the most European appearances for a Portuguese club. Speaking yesterday, Luisao confirmed that the milestones of recent weeks had influenced his decision. "I felt the affection of the fans, and all the people at the club." Interestingly, Luisao also referenced his close relationship with President Luis Filipe Vieira as a key factor in his decision to remain in Lisbon, after another summer of speculation: "I have a special affection with the president, who kept me at the club in difficult moments."  Although yesterday's "special moment" marked a high point in a European career which has yielded seven trophies, Luisao admitted that a challenging start could have led to a very different outcome. "It was very difficult, I could not find the rhythm I had in Brazil and I also had some injuries. I have to appreciate the position of the president and Camacho [the coach at the time], as well as the affection of the fans. Without all that I would have returned to Brazil." Luisao also addressed the rumours of a move to Paris Saint Germain, which emerged following the Copa America, stating that his committment to the club never wavered: "I never said that I did not want to wear the captain's armband. It is a source of great pride." The futureLooking forward, the stopper had praise for Jorge Jesus, declaring that "we [the squad] all have great affection for him", and also called for the new arrivals at the Luz to be given time to adapt by supporters: "It is easy to understand the mystique of the club, but not so easy to handle the responsibility [of playing for Benfica]." He also expressed his excitement for the upcoming Champions League opener against Manchester United. "The goal is to be among the best and that's where we are."Benfica continue their Liga campaign against Vitoria de Guimaraes on Saturday evening, at 18:30 (Lisbon time). Ben Shave |
However he's a good player because can also disguise his weaknesses. Luisao never was a quick player (thinking and playing) not very strong with the ball on the foot. On modern football defenders are asked to be good at first pass or even asked to be good progressing with the ball.
Ok I know, Luisao was called up to the brazilian national team many times, but also Anderson Polga was. Polga was even World Champions with Brazil but he is not considered a star of world football.
I do not want to look harsh, but since 2003 I can name 5 or 6 center back from portuguese league that was better and more complete than Luisao.
Speaking honestly only crazy clubs with billionaire owners like PSG, Man City or Anzhi would be crazy enough to pay a lot for a centre back on descendent part os his career. 2.1 million wages per year? Almost the same wages as Carvalho or David Luiz at Chelsea.
Luisao did the right joice, will be more useful and respected at Benfica. He's the captain.
As for Capdevila.. fantastic that he was not included in the CL squad. We want to be a team respected in Europe and we need players who will compete and not be diving and crying all the time.
We have all complained about JJ falling for the "name" instead of results, so thsi is refreshing.
Benfica doesn;t ave time to stroke Capdevilla's ego, and maybe this will drive him in training to get into game shape. I think that he could still be added to the CL squad should we advance.
I will be curious to see of Benfica release him outright in January and let him move for free.
I must say though that i'm not impressed in how JJ has gone about this issue with Capdevila. He dropped him from the champions league squad completely...that really is bizarre, i would've thought that the Champs league was the main reason for signing him, because of his huge experience at the higest level. He's played often in the champions league, he's a Euro Championship and World Cup winner, and would've offered much know-how to a pretty inexperienced squad at Champions league level. Anyway the rumours are he is not happy and may move on already in January with various Italian clubs interested. Strange decision, and even stranger including Peixoto in the CL squad ahead of him. Defence is still our weakness, without doubt, and I hope JJ doesn't end up regretting this decision...
That quote says it all. May have passed through, but not all are able to handle the pressure that comes with wearing the jersey.
I for one, am very happy to hear that he is planning to stay. I also think that he is the perfect player to wear the armband. A Great Benfiquista, in a long line of them.
That being said, this is football, and anything can change in an instant. Does anyone think that if PSG or Malaga came in with a ridiculous offer for Luisao, Benfica wouldn't take it. Luisao would take it as well, since it would mean a huge boost in salary.
Although, this deal would most likely mean that Garay would be the one moving for a silly offer.