Ángel Di María marks Nicolás Otamendi’s 38th birthday and looming Benfica landmark | OneFootball

Ángel Di María marked Nicolás Otamendi’s 38th birthday from afar, sending congratulations on social media. The former Benfica winger, now at Rosario Central, shared a photo of the pair in Benfica shirts taken at the Club World Cup.

According to Glorioso 1904, Otamendi reshared the message, which drew numerous reactions and added to the Benfica captain’s tributes.

Di María wished his former team-mate a happy birthday, affectionately referring to him as the general and telling him to take care.

There is added sporting significance on Friday, when, against Santa Clara, Otamendi could join a very select group in Benfica history. The Argentina international would become the sixth player to appear for the club at 38.

Only one outfield player features in that group, António Veloso, whose final Benfica outing came at 38 years, four months and 20 days. To match that mark, Otamendi would still need to extend his Benfica contract, with the club having earned millions from the Champions League.

The list is headed by Michel Preud’homme, who finished his career at Benfica aged over 40. Manuel Bento, Paulo Lopes and Júlio César complete the names who prolonged their competitive careers in Lisbon.

Source: Glorioso 1904