“Selection? I haven’t seen or followed the European”: Rafa remains disconnected from the national team

“It is common knowledge that I left the national team a few years ago. It was my decision because I felt it was time to go. As for the European Championship, I didn’t watch a single game, I didn’t follow it, so I can’t give any specific instructions on that,” the 31-year-old said when asked about Portugal’s performance.

Rafa has expressed his intention to retire from the national team in September 2022, having played 25 games for them.

As for Benfica, Rafa left words of recognition. “I will always follow Benfica. I am very attached to it and I will never forget the time I spent there or the people.”

He also said that he had not spoken to Quaresma (the Portuguese formerly of Besiktas) about his decision to move to the Istanbul club. “But I want to achieve the same success here,” he said.