Derlei on new Porto, Mourinho at Benfica: "I’m rooting for him" | OneFootball

Derlei made an appearance at the Portugal Football Globes gala and spoke about the current state of Portuguese football, with special emphasis on José Mourinho's return to Benfica.

"It's a great pleasure, not only for me, but I think for all of Portuguese football to see his return to our football, to our league. I root for him, he wasn't a father, but he was basically an uncle, even because of the age issue, he's not much older than me. For everything he did and for what he helped me with during my career, I have eternal gratitude and, naturally, I root for him, not only as a human being, but also as a professional", began Derlei, who spoke about José Mourinho.

"José Mourinho at Benfica? I believe in the ability he has shown throughout his career. He has an enviable resume. I think it's important for the Portuguese league, naturally, just as Benfica has now done, to go after coaches who have this know-how, who can add a lot. We know the knowledge he brings, not only to Benfica, but to the league", stressed the former forward.

When asked about the relationship between José Mourinho and FC Porto, Derlei stated he has no preferences, also referring to the new FC Porto led by Francesco Farioli.

"In reality, I root for both. Everyone knows the gratitude I have for FC Porto. It was the club that opened the doors for me and then I also had the opportunity to work at Benfica and Sporting. Also thanks to everything that happened at FC Porto and, naturally, with Mourinho. It was he who opened these doors for me at FC Porto. So, it doesn't matter, I root for him and hope things continue to improve also for FC Porto", confessed Derlei, who spoke about the new FC Porto.

"I believe that FC Porto, compared to last season, not only in points, but from what has been seen, is a slightly more vibrant team. In these 10 games, even in the Europa League itself, we saw that FC Porto that we are used to every season, that more vibrant FC Porto, which really has that mystique, as they say in the North, that way of playing, that vibration. We have been following this and this is the path for FC Porto", the forward also highlighted.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.