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| Wednesday, 21 September 2011 09:41 |
Benfica’s Nolito happy to have turned down Barcelona overtures“It was the right decision” Benfica forward Nolito has no doubts that moving to Benfica was the right move for him, despite revealing that Pep Guardiola was keen on keeping him at the Camp Nou. Speaking on Spanish radio, Nolito said he is thriving in the Portuguese capital. “Life here is very good. It was the best decision I took. I’m very happy,”
Nolito has made a sensational start to his Benfica career, scoring seven goals in his first ten games for the Eagles. “I scored another two goals against Academica. I’m very happy with the way the season has started; it’s been better than I thought it would be. But I have to continue working hard,” said the 24-year-old.
Nolito recognises that his adaptation has been facilitated by the fact he is surrounded by countrymen and Spanish speakers at the Lisbon club. “Over here I have Joan (Capdevila), Javi Garcia, Saviola, Aimar, Maxi. A lot of Spanish is spoken. It’s as if I was in Spain.”
Leaving BarcelonaWith the plethora of world-class talent surrounding him at Barcelona, Nolito found it tough going breaking into the first team. He is grateful to the Catalan club in helping his football education, but says he is unrepentant as regards his decision to move to Benfica.
“I left Barcelona a much better footballer. But my time there had finished. I believe I did the right thing moving to Benfica. Barça have the best team in the world and the best forwards in the world. The competition is extremely fierce. I was tired of playing just 20 minutes, or watching the games going by without me being in the squad. If I was 20 years old I would have stayed. But at 24 a footballer wants to play – it’s not just about the money.
“Barcelona offered me another two years on my contract, Pep (Guardiola) spoke to me and told me that Barça was the best club in the world, and was counting on me and wanted me for the first team. But I thought about it, thanked him and made my decision. I didn’t get it wrong. I took a lot from Barça, but Benfica is my next step.”
Tom Kundert
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I think it says alot about the improved standard and status of the Liga Sagres that world class players are prepared to come and play in Portugal, which is great news for Portuguese football and consequently benefits the clubs and the quality of football. That Dutch, Spanish and Belgian players have left their respective leagues to join our league can only further raise the status of the league and hopefully contribute to future successes, like maintaining fifth spot in the European co-efficient ranking. Forca Portugal!!!!!
How many players do we see nowadays that will go to Russia, Turkey, or sit on the bench of City, Real, or Chelsea just so they get a fat chq. They show little respect for their clubs or themselves for that matter.
I for one could care less where he came from, and just want him to continue to help the team win.
As a free transfer he could be a windfall for Benfica's coffers.