Lucas Veríssimo looks back on Benfica spell: I didn’t get much game time | OneFootball

Lucas Veríssimo, a 30-year-old central defender, is back at Santos, the club where he was developed. Presented this Tuesday with the number "4" jersey, the player signed a contract valid for three seasons and recalled his time at Benfica in 2021, stating he didn't accumulate many minutes with the sacred mantle.

"I couldn't get many minutes at Benfica, but I came back well and, since then, physically, if I'm not better, I'm at the same level", he revealed at a press conference about his physical condition, explaining that the serious injury he suffered with the Eagles motivated him to work to return stronger.

The defender also highlighted the difference between Brazilian football, Portuguese football, and the style in Qatar. "I think each has its own profile. I was at a big club in Portugal. Smaller teams played defensively and we only attacked. Against big teams, the approach changed. That's how it is in Portugal. In Qatar, it's more counter-attacking and fast-paced. Brazilian football is well played, if there's a good pitch. Vila Belmiro had a pitch in a condition I had never seen here. This is an essential point in football," he expressed.

It's worth noting that Lucas was in Qatar and was supposed to travel to Brazil to join Santos, delaying his return to the canary country.

The story of Lucas Veríssimo with Benfica was short but impactful for the player, as before suffering a serious knee injury, the central defender was one of the team's standouts and even earned a call-up to the Brazilian national team. He spent over 320 days recovering from a partial ligament tear. Even so, with the eagle on his chest, he played 41 games and scored five goals and two assists.

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