Welcome, Conti!

Germán Conti is a new signing for 2018/19. After undergoing the medical at the Hospital da Luz, the Argentinean centre-back signed a contract with Benfica for the next five seasons.

Nurtured in Argentina, at Colón de Santa Fé, Conti never played far from home. He was carrying out his fifth season at the club and in 2017/18, he racked up 26 matches and two goals. The new signing of Benfica's defense is 1,93m tall and is known for his pace and good aerial game.

“Benfica is a very big Club that gave me the possibility to come to Europe. I am so grateful. I know it will require a lot every day and I hope to live up to it”, he started by saying in an exclusive interview with BTV.

On the pitch of the Cathedral, Conti did not hide the joy and the pride…

“This Stadium is amazing. It is a dream to play here, it is something that all players dream about. I cannot wait to play with the Stadium full and feel great emotions”, he revealed, highlighting the possibility of playing in the Champions League: “The Champions League is a dream of every player. Not all players have the opportunity to play. I am privileged and I hope to be able to seize this opportunity”.

And idols?

“I never had an idol. Since I became a professional, I wanted surround myself with experienced player in my position who taught me a lot”, he said.

Like all players, Conti has the dream of wearing the shirt of his National Team and he believes that day will come.

“It's a dream I have pending. I know that if I do well here, if I play lots of matches and show a good level, I will get my chance. I know that with work and sacrifice that moment will arrive, so I am very calm”, he said.

There are millions of Benfica supporters…

“It is something incredible! I guess I still have no idea what that means. I know we have to work every day to win our place and do our best to make the fans happy”, he revealed, pointing to titles: “It is a very important objective because all players dream with titles. I know it is a Club that will demand that from me, like a said before, I hope to live up to that and give my best for that to happen”.

Looking to the current squad, Conti praised his countrymen and like them, he wants to leave his mark.

“I played against Cervi when he was at Rosário Central. He is a great player, such as Salvio who will have the opportunity to play in a World Cup and not all players can do that. Many Argentinians have played here, well known players, who did things really well here at the Club. I hope to be like them, that in the future people remember me as someone who has left his mark”, he said.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia and Sónia Antunes

Pics: Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica