“Vlachodimos talks about leaving Benfica and the dream of the Premier League.”

Odysseas Vlachodimos, the Greek goalkeeper currently representing Sevilla, opened up about his tumultuous departure from Benfica in an exclusive interview with the Greek portal Athletiko GR. After five intense seasons at the Lisbon club, Vlachodimos did not hide his desire to embrace new challenges, making it clear that the Premier League had long been a cherished dream.

“After five years at Benfica, I wanted to experience a new challenge, and the Premier League is every child’s dream. This opportunity arose; other teams had shown interest before, but the transfer did not happen. Things did not go as I thought, but that helped me become the goalkeeper I am now at Sevilla,” the keeper revealed.

The Greek international also clarified the complicated negotiations surrounding his contract renewal with Benfica. According to Vlachodimos, the renewal should have been completed seven months earlier, right after the season in which he did not leave the club, but the process faced significant delays. “The renewal came seven months late; it was supposed to happen after I didn’t leave [the previous year]. However, Rui Costa knew that if something came from England, I wanted to leave,” he said, referring to Benfica’s sporting director, Rui Costa.

Vlachodimos had a stint in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, where he faced top English teams while playing for Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, totaling eight matches. Despite his short stay in England, the goalkeeper does not hide that this experience was crucial for his professional and personal development, culminating in his transfer to Sevilla, where he continues to establish himself as one of the most solid goalkeepers in La Liga.

This candid account from Vlachodimos sheds light on the behind-the-scenes of a transfer that shook the European market, showcasing the ambition and determination of a player who is not afraid to take risks to achieve his goals. His journey from the Eagles to the Spanish elite is a clear example of resilience and courage in modern football.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.