Rui Costa praises Rafa’s exemplary attitude at Benfica.

The intense expectation surrounding Benfica takes on new dimensions with the recent confirmation of Rafa Silva’s return, an emblematic figure who promises to bring dynamism to José Mourinho’s team. Rui Costa, the club’s president, did not hesitate to praise the value and determination of the player, who is back after a stint at Besiktas, stating that Rafa will be a crucial piece in the red formation.

During the final day of allegations in the controversial “Saco Azul” process, Rui Costa addressed the press to clarify Rafa’s situation, stating that he has always been a fundamental athlete during his eight years of service to Benfica. “He is a player who is decisive, he has always been decisive in the eight years he represented Benfica. He returns home with the same spirit,” he declared. However, Costa felt the need to dispel some negative perceptions that have circulated among fans.

“There are many supporters, many members who believe that Rafa did not behave well with Benfica because he left for free. And that is not true. In the last year of his contract, there were speculations about his departure to Qatar and even talks in England. However, Rafa decided to stay, and Benfica, in turn, agreed not to profit from his departure, trusting that his value on the field would outweigh the financial aspect. In the last season he played, he had his best performance in terms of numbers,” highlighted Rui Costa, defending the player’s integrity and his connection to the club.

The president of Benfica spared no effort to reaffirm Rafa’s quality. “It’s not a prize; it’s a signing that we believe will serve Benfica. He knows the club well and is ready to play. And, despite external criticism, I can guarantee that Rafa has had an excellent attitude at Benfica. Otherwise, we would never have considered his signing again,” insisted Costa, emphasizing his own ethics and the values that represent the club.

“I want the members to know that Rafa would never be at Benfica if there were any signs of misconduct. He is an excellent player who wanted to return, and we are convinced that he will bring tremendous value to the team,” added Rui Costa, conveying a clear message of support for the athlete.

Furthermore, the president clarified that the signing of Rafa was not a rushed decision. “We didn’t try to secure Rafa at the beginning of the month for a very simple reason: the values involved. If we had managed to bring him in on the first day, we would have done so. However, that could have cost between 15 to 25 million more. This opportunity arose, and we decided to go ahead,” he concluded, highlighting the club’s financial strategy.

The return of Rafa Silva to Benfica is not just a matter of coming back; it is a statement of commitment and a reinforcement of the team’s competitive potential. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see the impact the player will have under Mourinho’s leadership in a season that promises to be electrifying.