Benfica’s new centre-back bids farewell: “I’ll be a fan” | OneFootball

Gabriel Índio has already officially said goodbye to Athletic Club. The 17-year-old Brazilian centre-back, who will join Benfica for the 2026/27 season, took to social media to leave a message of thanks to the Minas Gerais club, just a few weeks before being officially unveiled by the Eagles. The youngster is already working under Marco Silva, with FIFA authorization, and is expected to sign a long-term contract as soon as he turns 18, on July 26.

In the post, Gabriel Índio did not hide his emotion at the end of his connection with the club where he took his first steps in professional football. “The time has come for me to say goodbye to Athletic, and it is impossible not to look back with great gratitude. It was at this club that I was given the opportunity to move up to the professional team and fulfill a dream I have carried since childhood.”

Benfica’s future signing also made a point of thanking everyone who accompanied him during his time at Athletic MG, leaving a special message to the fans. “Thank you for everything. Please know that I will always be a fan of Esquadrão and will always be following, no matter where I am.”

It should be remembered that, recently, Benfica’s general director of football, Mário Branco, explained the club’s decision to bet on the young Brazilian, placing the signing within the Club’s sporting strategy. The executive recalled that preparations for the new season started earlier due to the Europa League qualifiers and justified bringing the process forward. “Gabriel’s arrival was something logical given Benfica’s DNA in the search for young talents with great potential. Gabriel fits exactly into that spirit,” he said.

Gabriel Índio is expected to be officially presented by Benfica on July 26, the date on which he turns 18 and will be able to sign his deal with the Reds. Considered one of the most promising young centre-backs in Brazilian football, the defender will begin his journey at the Luz with the ambition of confirming the high expectations placed in him by the structure led by Rui Costa.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gabriel Queiroz (@gabrielindio_08)

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