Benfica title-winning coach on Pizzi farewell: a brilliant career ends | OneFootball

Following the recent official announcement, Pizzi ended his football career in a match against Benfica. The midfielder started for Estoril in the final game of the season and came off in the 58th minute, even receiving a guard of honour. Many made sure to pay tribute to him, and that was the case with Rui Vitória, former coach of the Lisbon club.

The Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates, left a long message on social media for his former player at Paços de Ferreira (2010/11) and later at Benfica, recalling those two different moments in his career.

"Today marks the end of the career of a player who left a deep mark everywhere he went. I had the privilege of getting to know Pizzi when he was still very young, just 19 years old, at the beginning of his journey in professional football. Even back then, there was talent, intelligence and a huge desire to grow," he began by writing, highlighting who he is as a person more than his success and quality.

"Years later, our paths crossed again at Benfica, where we worked together for more than three and a half years filled with great achievements and unforgettable moments. But what I always admired most about Pizzi was not just the quality of the player. It was the man. An exemplary professional, a loyal teammate, a quiet leader and a person of enormous character and human sensitivity," he said, before leaving a final note.

"In a football world so often fast-paced and superficial, Pizzi always knew how to maintain humility, respect and the right values. Today, a brilliant career comes to an end. But the legacy you leave on and off the pitch will remain in all our memories for many years. A big hug, Rui Vitória," he concluded.

Check out Rui Vitória's post:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rui Vitória (@rui.vitoriaoficial)

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