Rui Costa appointed Benfica’s new Director of Football

Club idol takes on new role

Only days after hanging up his playing boots, former Benfica player Rui Costa was unveiled as the club’s new director of football. A well-groomed Rui Costa looked radiant and excited as he is prepares to embark on his new role.

“I have the chance to serve this club in another capacity which gives me great motivation and pride. I am honoured and happy to have an opportunity to continue serving this club. I will not shy away from my responsibilities, knowing that my mission will not be easy,” said Costa.

It did not take long for Rui Costa to be grilled with questions by the media, as the press took the opportunity to break him into his new position by asking about the club’s failed attempt to contract Manchester City coach, Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“Eriksson was part of a restricted list of coaches who have the profile to coach at Benfica. It was not only Eriksson who Benfica have initiated negotiations with. It has nothing to do with him personally, but his undefined contractual situation prohibits us to wait any longer and we must now work towards our other choices. The new Benfica coach will be introduced very shortly.”

Costa then brought an end to a long-running soap opera as he confirmed that left-back Leo will be remaining at the club after all. “Earlier this afternoon Leo renewed his contract for another two seasons.” The deal consists of one year with an option of a further season to be left at the club’s discretion.


Related: Leo extends contract with Benfica


Attention then turned to Costa’s midfield team-mate this season, Cristian Rodriguez, who has impressed during his loan spell from Paris Saint-Germain. The new director confirmed that Benfica would be trying to thrash out a permanent deal for the Uruguayan.

He also confirmed that the club have signed Belenenses’ Ruben Amorin and that Jorge Ribeiro is a target but has not yet been officially contracted.

Finally, Rui Costa explained that he believes the new structure at Benfica is set up to allow the club to achieve prosperity and success.

“Benfica now have a structure that is compact. We would like to start a new cycle. It is a project that will take some time. What is the basis of my inspiration? Everything that I have lived in football.”