Otamendi says Benfica exit for River Plate was an easy decision

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·12. Juni 2026

Otamendi says Benfica exit for River Plate was an easy decision

Otamendi says leaving Benfica to join River Plate was a straightforward call after his contract expired. The centre-back has signed an 18-month deal with the Buenos Aires club.

"The decision was easy, obviously. In my case, the coach phoned me as soon as he took the job and, just two weeks later, he convinced me," Otamendi said, as quoted by Olé.

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"He backed me and it is always good when the coach calls and says he wants you at the club. I had no doubts about returning to Argentina," he added.

The 38-year-old Argentina international is returning home after 16 consecutive seasons in European football.

His first move abroad came in 2010/11 when he left Vélez Sarsfield for FC Porto. He spent three and a half seasons with Porto, then had spells in Spain, England and Portugal, finishing at Benfica.

Source: Glorioso 1904