Nicolás Otamendi offered Benfica role before confirmed exit | OneFootball

According to Glorioso 1904, Benfica made a new proposal to Nicolás Otamendi before his confirmed exit, offering a position in the club’s structure, but the 38-year-old chose to keep playing.

He is understood to have rejected an invitation to join the set-up from 2026/27. The proposal, made under Rui Costa’s leadership, covered a position in the football department working with the first-team squad.

Benfica had intended to keep the Argentina international as a talisman off the pitch, reflecting his influence as a dressing-room leader.

Otamendi is preparing to return to Argentina after the World Cup. After farewells to Benfica and the national team, he will sign a contract with River Plate, the club he fervently supports.

He departs with four trophies, one Campeonato Nacional, one Taça da Liga and two Supertaças Cândido de Oliveira. After six seasons at Benfica, the centre-back leaves as one of the standout figures of the club’s recent era.

Source: Glorioso 1904