Lucas Veríssimo reflects on Benfica stint after Santos return on three-season deal | OneFootball

Lucas Veríssimo has returned to Santos, unveiled on Tuesday in the number 4 shirt after signing a contract for three seasons, and reflected on his brief spell at Benfica in 2021. According to Glorioso 1904, the 30-year-old centre-back said he did not manage many minutes there.

He maintained he came back well from that period and that physically he is at least at the same level. The serious injury he sustained at Benfica, he added, drove him to work to return stronger.

Veríssimo contrasted Brazilian, Portuguese and Qatari football, noting distinct styles. In Portugal, smaller teams often sat deep while his side attacked, whereas in Qatar he observed more counter-attacking and running. He said Brazilian football is well played with a good pitch, praising Vila Belmiro’s surface as an essential factor.

He had been in Qatar and was due to fly to Brazil to join Santos, but instability in the region linked to conflict in the Middle East led to cancellations and changes to flights, delaying his arrival.

His Benfica story was short yet significant for him. Before a serious knee injury he was among the team’s standouts and earned a Brazil call-up, then spent more than 320 days recovering from a partial ligament tear.

In total for Benfica he made 41 appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904