Rollheiser joins Benfica!

STATEMENTS TO BTV

Rollheiser, a 23-year-old forward, has joined Sport Lisboa e Benfica's football team. The Argentine arrives at the club from Estudiantes on loan until June 30, 2024, in a deal with a compulsory purchase option. The left-footed player will wear the number 32. 

Sure of his steps, Rollheiser was happy to join Benfica.

"From the first moment I heard about the possibility of coming to Benfica, I didn't doubt it for a second. It's the biggest club in Portugal and one of the biggest in the world. As soon as I was told of the chance, I didn't doubt it for a second, and today I'm happy to be here," he said in statements to BTV.

His desire to contribute his football as soon as possible is tremendous, and he is aware of what he will find at the club.

"I've been told a bit about the history of Benfica, a very big club that competes on all fronts. I come to a club where the structure is in place, and that's very good. I want to help in any way I can, adapt quickly to the group and start training to be available to the coaching staff," he said.

The presence of his compatriots Ángel Di María and Otamendi in the squad is something Rollheiser welcomes, particularly in terms of the help they could have during the adaptation process.

"Yes, of course! They're two great footballers, with incredible careers, world champions, and they're in the Argentinian national team. I want to take advantage of their presence, continue to evolve day by day, continue to learn, and I believe that they will be part of all this so that I can continue to grow on a personal level and help the group," he stated.

Rollheiser introduced himself, describing his strengths and what he could offer Roger Schmidt's side.

"What can I add? I think dynamics. I like to attack and take part in the game at all times. I'm a player who can also help physically. As well as technique, good passing, shooting and trying to score goals. These are aspects where I think I can help a lot," he revealed.

"I've already had the chance to watch a game [against Boavista]. The atmosphere is very nice, the presentation before the start of the game is pleasant. It's a great stadium, and one of the best in the world, so I'm happy to have this opportunity now, I want to enjoy it as much as possible," he stressed.

Rollheiser also left one certainty...

"That's the way I am, I've always fought for what I wanted, and I think that's something that's valued at this club, so I'm happy and ready to give my all," he said.

CAREER

Born on March 24, 2000 in Coronel Suárez, a small town some 550 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Rollheiser began playing football at Deportivo Sarmiento in Argentina's lower divisions, a club he represented between 2011 and 2014, before moving to River Plate at the age of 14.

In 2017, he reached the Argentina U-17 team, where he played three matches in the South American Championship. In 2019, Rollheiser made his first team debut for River Plate in an Argentinian Cup match against Gimnasia.

His first goal as a professional came on December 19, 2021, when he contributed to River Plate's 0-4 victory over Colón in the final of the Champions Trophy, the equivalent of the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup. Before that, on March 26, 2021, he represented his country's U-23 team in two matches against Japan. At the time, he took part in 29 matches for River Plate and then joined Estudiantes, the club he had represented between 2010 and 2012 as a U-13 player.

At Estudiantes since 2022, he has made 83 appearances and scored 13 goals, with the La Plata club winning the Argentinian Cup in December 2023.