Antonio Silva has decided to leave Benfica at (almost) any cost. Because the relationship with Bruno Lage is at an all-time low, after having been benched repeatedly since he arrived, systematically preferring both Otamendi and Araujo. A situation that could not be accepted by those who were considered as the possible captain of the Eagles, who had gone from riches to rags. Now it should be understood what the feeling would be for the near future, even if ownership – with armband – against Estoril Praia is not enough.
So today is an important day. Because tonight, at 9.30pm, the match against Sporting is scheduled, in the Lisbon derby. A possible exclusion would certify the worsening of the crisis after Jorge Mendes’ words the other evening. “Juventus wants António Silva and António Silva wants to sign with Juventus. The truth is that Benfica have the final say and therefore we have to wait, be patient and understand what will happen. The truth is that Juve really like António Silva. In the final it is Benfica who has to make a decision.”
Yesterday the technician decided to put out the fire, in his own way. “Whoever has a contract must respect the clauses. One thing is certain: whoever wants Benfica players must come with their wallet and in the last year he arrived with a full wallet”. At the moment Juventus doesn’t have it, they can only make an operation at Conceicao, but they hope in the diplomatic work of the Portuguese agent to give themselves a big coup.