A reception full of pride!

The history made by winning the UEFA Youth League was recognized with emotion this Thursday, April 28, at the reception at Lisbon's City Hall, where athletes and staff shared part of it with the mayor and the hundreds of Benfiquistas present at the Council Chambers. 

CARLOS MOEDAS' INTERVENTION

"Long live Benfica and what you have done for us, the image you have given of our country. You [players] are the symbol that to achieve the success you need to make sacrifices. Life is not luck, it is work. You are the greatest example for the next generations", he claimed, praising the work of President Rui Costa and his ability to "link sporting success to social and formative success that is unique", emphasizing above all: " the vision he has is that Benfica is more than sport, it is a house of victories, that changes lives."

On the balcony, some with scarves raised, others with cell phones in hand to register the moment, the players listened and sang the Benfica anthem.

Martim Neto praised the "pride for having so many Benfiquistas" present, who share the "happiness" of the moment. "Now we have to keep working for more titles", he said.

Henrique Araújo, the author of three goals in the final, only thinks about the performance he must give. " This recognition is very good. The fans appreciate the work we have done. We are very satisfied. We are very happy. It was important for the Club to show this strength in Europe. We are perfectly aware of what we have done. Now it's time to continue the work done, to give continuity. It's a youth football title, and the goal is to move on to the first team and be productive. I have always felt great confidence in the group", he claimed. 

Sport Lisboa e Benfica's General Director of Youth Development, Pedro Mil-Homens, sees this trophy as "a gift of youth football" for the Club. " It is a step in the career of these young people, they have shown a state of competitive readiness to say yes. Now we must keep our feet on the ground and do better tomorrow than we did yesterday. Benfica can be proud. There is a path and route that must be traveled ", he said.