‘Schmidt knows I don’t like to leave’: Di Maria suggests he didn’t like being substituted against Boavista

The Argentine player spoke for the first time about the episode that occurred in the second half of the match against Boavista (debut in the championship). At that time, the left-back was surprised that he was decided to leave the club after Musa was sent off. When he got to the bench, he even kicked a water bottle, visibly annoyed by Schmidt’s variation in a game that Benfica ended up losing 3–2.

In an interview with the Italian media, the world champion spoke about his return to Luz, noting that after leaving Juventus he had several tempting offers for the Italians: “I got calls from Saudi Arabia, I got a lot of calls. The numbers they presented are incredible, but I chose with my heart, I wanted to go to Benfica. And after the first few weeks, Di Maria shows no regrets about her decision to return. “I am very grateful to Benfica and the people. The reception I received was not normal, it was a privilege,” said the 35-year-old, who has already scored two goals in three official matches this season.

The stage at Juventus before returning to Luz was not what the player expected: “It was a difficult season for Juventus. I had several discussions with directors and technical staff because what was presented to me was not what I was told before signing.”

Side Hellven aimed at eagles
The Brazilian press reported this Thursday that Benfica are interested in right-back Hellven (Atletico Paranaense). The Brazilian emblem can be purchased for a 22-year-old player for about 10 million euros. Benfica is on the market looking for an alternative to Ba.

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EXTREME EXIT SCHJELDERUP

Norwegian Schelderup wants to play more regularly and must leave Luz: “When the president decides to hire a world legend like Di Maria or even Goncalo Guedes, the conditions change. I hope that Benfica will accept this request,” Jorn-Tommy Schelderup, the player’s father, told the Norwegian press.

BERNARDO IS RETURNING IN 2026

“Bernardo is a Benfica fan and has already said he wants to come back. It may be quite possible, and it is actually very likely, but I would not consider it in this situation,” said R.R. Paulo Silva, father of Bernardo Silva. And this after the player extended his contract with Manchester City until 2026, when he turns 32, the age at which he wanted to return to Luz in the past.

Odyssey and United
The German press writes that Odyssey has an agreement with Manchester United, and this is after two goalkeepers have already signed for the English emblem: Onana and Altay.