Benfica title-winning coach reacts to Pizzi farewell: brilliant career ends | OneFootball

Following the recent official announcement, Pizzi ended his football career in a match against Benfica. The midfielder started for Estoril in the final game of the season and was taken off in the 58th minute, even receiving a guard of honour. Many made a point of paying tribute to him, and that was the case with Rui Vitória, former manager of the Lisbon club.

The Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates, shared a long message on social media for his former player from their time at Paços de Ferreira (2010/11) and later at Benfica, recalling those two different moments in his career.

"Today marks the end of the career of a player who left a deep mark everywhere he went. I had the privilege of meeting Pizzi when he was still very young, just 19 years old, at the start of his journey in professional football. Even back then, he already had talent, intelligence and a huge desire to grow", he began by writing, highlighting who he is as a person, more than his success and quality.

"Years later, we met again at Benfica, where we worked together for another three and a half years filled with major achievements and unforgettable moments. But what I always admired most about Pizzi was not just the quality of the player. It was the man. An exemplary professional, a loyal teammate, a quiet leader and a person of enormous character and human sensitivity", he said, leaving a final note.

"In a football world so often fast-paced and superficial, Pizzi always knew how to maintain humility, respect and the right values. Today, a brilliant career comes to a close. But the legacy you leave on and off the pitch will remain in all our memories for many years. A big hug, Rui Vitória", he concluded.

Check out Rui Vitória's post:

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