Official: Nicolás Otamendi to leave Benfica at the end of the season | OneFootball

It is official: Nicolás Otamendi will leave Benfica at the end of the current season. Hours after playing his final match, as had been reported, the Lisbon club released a statement announcing that the now former captain will no longer wear the Sacred Mantle next season, when his contract expires.

"Sport Lisboa e Benfica informs that captain Nicolás Otamendi believes his cycle at the club has come to an end, after six seasons in which he honored our shirt and our armband to the very last drop of sweat," reads the statement issued by the Eagles through their official channels.

"Nicolás Otamendi was always an example of passion, dedication, competence, leadership and professionalism, contributing decisively to the conquest of one League title, one League Cup and two Super Cups," added the Lisbon club, highlighting the Argentine's honors while wearing the Eagle on his chest.

"Beyond the trophies, he touched and filled the hearts of Benfica fans with pride and gratitude, and so he will forever be part of our family and this will always be his home. Sport Lisboa e Benfica wishes him every happiness for the future. Thank you, Captain!" the red-clad club finally wrote, thanking the Argentine center-back.

With Nicolás Otamendi's departure confirmed, several doors are opening for the Argentine to continue his career. However, as had already been repeatedly reported in recent weeks, the most likely destination for Benfica's former No. 30 appears to be River Plate.

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