António Silva in Croatia, photo leaves Benfica fans talking | OneFootball

António Silva is still making the most of the last few days of his holiday before Benfica’s pre-season gets underway, but even far from Lisbon he continues to show signs of his connection to the Eagles’ world. The centre-back is in Croatia and shared an image on social media that did not go unnoticed by the fans.

In a photo originally posted by his brother, Armando Silva, a mural of Torcida Split, Hajduk Split’s main ultras group, can be seen alongside the emblem of the historic Croatian club. The post took on particular symbolism due to the former friendship between Torcida and the No Name Boys.

The connection between the two groups dates back to 14 September 1994, when Benfica and Hajduk Split faced each other in the Champions League. After that match, a van carrying Benfica supporters was involved in an accident in Spain on the return trip to Portugal, causing the deaths of three No Name Boys members: Rita, Tino and 'Gullit'. Since then, the memory of those supporters has continued to be honoured by the ultras of both clubs.

Before his trip to Croatia, António Silva had already shown other moments of relaxation during his holiday. The Portugal international brought together several Benfica-linked teammates for a paintball session, later sharing some images on social media.

Among those taking part were Samuel Soares, Henrique Araújo, Diogo Prioste, João Rego, Gonçalo Oliveira, Diogo Ferreira, Manu Silva and Tomás Araújo, in a get-together marked by camaraderie before returning to work under Marco Silva. The centre-back is now preparing to return to Seixal, where he hopes to begin another season in the service of the Eagles, at a time when he is still seen as one of the main pillars of the present and future of Benfica’s youth system.

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