Benfica complete Pablo Aimar capture

Rui Costa jets to Spain to bring Argentine to the Lisbon

After weeks of uncertainty, Benfica have finally struck a deal with Real Zaragoza to bring Pablo Aimar to the Estadio da Luz. The deal was concluded late last night with Rui Costa flying out to Aragon, making sure that he did not return without the midfielder.

Benfica finalised the deal by splashing out 6.5 million euros, which was less than earlier reported, and signed the Argentine ace on a four-year contract with a buyout clause of 20 million euros.

The signing ends all speculation about whether Benfica were capable of landing Aimar as it was reported that Newcastle had lodged a late bid in order to scupper the deal from the Portuguese giants. But it was not to be as Rui Costa had put the finishing touches on the transfer and convinced the Blanquilos to part with the Argentina international.

The 28-year-old could not hold back his enthusiasm at having joined the Lisbon club. “It is a great joy. Benfica came to get me. I know the coach and the rest of the staff. I cannot wait to play, enjoy, help, and if possible, win titles. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Rui Costa, who accompanied the player on the flight to Portugal, was equally radiant having successfully contracted Aimar and wanted to quash suggestions he was in over his head in his new role as Director of Football and would not be able to bring such talent to Benfica.

Costa brushes off criticism

“I am not worried (with the criticism) – only with Benfica’s well-being and what I can do for the club. When it involves great players there are always complications because there is interest from many other clubs. Interferences? It’s not worth talking about that now because the player is here,” explained Costa.

Rui Costa will be more than happy to hand over his number 10 jersey to Aimar as he always felt that the player was more than worthy to be his successor. “The Benfica number 10 is now him, it is not me.”