Benfica Renato Sanches Interview New Signing

INTERVIEW

Thrilled to return home eight years later, Renato Sanches confesses that this day has always been on his mind. Benfica, his lifelong club, as he makes a point of saying, "is bigger than all the others". The first statements made by the midfielder, who joined the professional football team for the 2024/25 season, are underlined by a mixture of recognition, gratitude, and ambition.

You're back home eight years later. What does it mean for you?

For me, this is a very satisfying moment. After eight or nine years, it's a bit emotional to talk about it because it's a club I've always liked and I've always thought I'd come back one day.

Returning to Benfica has always been your priority. Why was that?

For me, Benfica has always been my boyhood club, so it's always hard not to think about going back, because it's a place where you feel good. In terms of the clubs I've played for, I think Benfica was bigger than all the others in terms of greatness.

"I'm here to help, to do my best, to make the team stronger and win what we have to win this year"

Renato Sanches

Benfica now has a high-quality squad with lots of solutions. What can you add to the team?

I think everyone already knows what I can add to a team. I'm here to help, to do my best, to make the team stronger and win what we have to win this year.

Do you think you'll adapt easily to Roger Schmidt's game philosophy?

I don't see any difficulties, because it's a perfectly normal system and I've played in it in past teams. It won't be an obstacle for me.

"Benfica never changes, the Benfica mystique is always the same. What I hope to find is the Benfica of all time, the winning and victorious Benfica"

Which Benfica do you expect to find, given that it's been eight years since you were crowned national champion??

The same as always. I don't think Benfica ever changes; the Benfica mystique is always the same. What I hope to find is the same Benfica as always, the winning and victorious Benfica. That's what all Benfiquistas hope for too.

What can you promise the Benfica fans?

What I can promise is what I've always done for Benfica, whenever I've worn this shirt. Dedication and hard work, because I was trained here, I was brought up here with this motto of hard work, so I don't think that will ever be lacking.