Official! Rui Costa signs player for Benfica who admits he was stunned | OneFootball

It's official. Carissa Boeckmann has been presented as the new signing for the Benfica women's football team - which saw Andreia Faria move to Saudi Arabia. The American midfielder is 22 years old, arrives from the Portland Thorns, a NWSL club, and has signed until 2027 with the club led by Rui Costa.

"I'm super excited to get started. It's an amazing club, an amazing culture, an amazing environment. I'm really excited," she told BTV. When asked about how she felt when she learned of the Portuguese champions' interest, the new player said she was in shock.

"I was a bit shocked at first, but at the same time, very excited. When I heard about the opportunity, I thought: 'I have to do it!'" she revealed. The Eagles' new signing was a teammate of Marie Alidou at the American club.

"Yes, I spoke with her. She had amazing things to say. She told me: 'You have to go, you'll fit in, it's going to be amazing!' She only had good things to say. She said the girls are incredible, the competition is top level, it's unique, the atmosphere, everything." Carissa Boeckmann set her goals for 2025/26.

"I would say the success of my whole team, since it's a team sport. I want to win, with the team, the Champions League, obviously that's the goal, and the Championship. And, individually, I think about how to make an impact, doing whatever I can for the team," she stated.

In conclusion, the young footballer left a message for the fans: "Honestly, I'm looking forward to getting started and meeting them, to introducing myself to them. I hope they continue to support us and that we can give back to them as much as they give to us," she finished.

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