Winger linked with exit assures fans: I'll stay at Benfica | OneFootball

After the 6-1 thrashing at the Luz, Benfica drew 1-1 with Hearts in Scotland and secured their place in the Europa League play-off. Dodi Lukebakio scored for the Eagles and, after the match, said he was pleased to have contributed to qualification, playing down Benfica’s second consecutive draw after the stalemate against Académico de Viseu.

Related

Football. Marco Silva prepares major changes to the starting XI for Hearts - Benfica

Football. Filho questions Rui Costa’s decision at Benfica: "It was a casting mistake"

Football. Lukebakio pushed towards the Benfica exit door and it is already known who made the decision

< >

“I think it was a positive thing not to lose again, because we were behind. Of course our objective was to win the game, but the mission was accomplished, so now we are looking ahead to the next game on Monday against Casa Pia.”

Speaking to Sport TV, the Belgian international highlighted the importance of Benfica having secured qualification and preferred to focus on the positives from the trip to Edinburgh: “There are good things to take from the game, the most important thing is that we qualified.”

Asked about reports casting doubt over his future, Lukebakioplayed down the rumours and assured that he remains fully focused on Benfica. The winger also reinforced his desire to continue wearing the Eagles shirt and made his position on the future very clear.

“What I can say is that it’s normal, the media are always talking and trying to get players to say they are leaving, that the coach is not counting on them. None of that is true. I remain focused, of course I would like to stay at Benfica, of course I’m staying, but I don’t try to listen to what the media say, I just try to do my best.”

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