Welcome, Waldschmidt!

STATEMENTS

Gian-Luca Waldschmidt is a new signing from Sport Lisboa e Benfica until 2025. A German international, the forward arrives from Freiburg and was presented at the Benfica Campus. He is the new number 10.

Before, Sport Lisboa e Benfica - Futebol, SAD informed the Portuguese Securities Market Commission that it acquired the entirety of the player's rights for 15 millions euros. A buy-out clause of 88 million euros was included in the 5-year contract.

You' re one of the most talented young players in the Bundesliga. What do you hope to achieve collectively and individually?  How do you feel about joining Benfica?

I'm very happy to be here and I want to help the team achieve its goals. Personally, it's a very important step to join this great club and have the chance to become a better player. The next step is to help the team, scoring goals and providing assists.

Benfica plays to win titles and has an offensive approach. Is this a positive reality for your characteristics as a player?

Yes. That's very good. I like offensive teams because I play upfront. Yes, that could be positive for me. 

This is your first experience outside Germany? What are your expectation?

It's my first time outside Germany, but I'm very happy. It's good to be here, the people I've been with have given me good vibes about the club. I felt welcome and look forward to the next few days.

What's your first memory of Benfica?

The first memory I have of Benfica is about Rui Costa. It' s a great club, it has a lot of fans. It's a really big club with a lot of history. It has a beautiful stadium and the eagle… 

Text: Marco Rebelo

Photos: Tânia Paulo, Isabel Cutileiro and João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica