Franjo Ivanović on joining Benfica: it’s on another level | OneFootball

Franjo Ivanović - who made controversial statements recently - was close to slipping away from Benfica. In an interview with Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old Croatian international revealed that there were talks with other clubs, namely from the Bundesliga. The striker from Clube da Luz also had words of praise for Rui Costa and José Mourinho.

“There were talks with German teams, yes. But Benfica presented the project that convinced me the most and had the right feeling. When I arrived in Lisbon, I immediately realized the size of Benfica. At the airport, there were 30 or 40 journalists and TV crews. On Instagram, I received thousands of messages. The club’s status in the country is unbelievable, everyone wants a photo or an autograph,” Franjo Ivanović began by saying.

“When I entered the training center, I thought I was at Disneyland. Everything is on another level. But what impressed me the most was the first match at Estádio da Luz. The atmosphere gives you goosebumps: you run more, you go the extra meter, just because of the stadium’s energy,” added Franjo Ivanović, Benfica’s striker.

Regarding Rui Costa, President of Benfica, Franjo Ivanović did not hold back his words: “When the president enters the room, you immediately feel his presence. He is a football legend and it was very special to talk to him. I realized how much he lives for Benfica and how he tries to convey that passion.”

“The coach has two sides. Off the pitch, he is very friendly and relaxed; on it, he is demanding, meticulous, and very serious. I am very grateful to be able to learn from him. I listen to every word carefully. He has already achieved everything I dream of achieving: the Champions League,” concluded Franjo Ivanović about José Mourinho.

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