Benfica deputy calls Noronha Lopes an "animal", cites "desperation" | OneFootball

José Gandarez called João Noronha Lopes a "ferocious animal", taking into account the recent interview given by the candidate for the presidency of Benfica - who once again admitted the possible return of Bernardo Silva. Rui Costa's vice-president came to the defense of the current leader of the Eagles.

"I think the result our list achieved in the first round rewarded the calmness, serenity, and respect that Rui Costa showed towards all the candidacies and candidates. I believe that the opposing candidate, who finished in second place, clearly realized that the 'tear-down' approach, criticism for criticism's sake, voting against financial reports and accounts with a positive balance of 30 million, being against the electoral regulations and against electronic voting, did not reward him. And what we saw was a new version of Noronha Lopes," he said to Record na Hora.

Next, José Gandarez explained his point of view: "Wanting to discuss ideas, the future, and showing respect for the candidates. After losing that debate – and it's not just my opinion, I'm not an analyst – we once again saw a new version, the calmer, more thoughtful version, with respect between two Benfiquistas who want the best for Benfica. In the last two or three days, we've seen Dr. Noronha Lopes return to the ferocious animal version, where, every hour or two, he launches constant attacks on Rui Costa. Just yesterday, he was contradicted on television itself. He is desperate, and I think Benfica's members do not like this atmosphere. These are simple elections."

"The members will choose who they prefer and do not relate to this kind of attack. Rui Costa has always maintained a high standard. He is a great Benfiquista, he respects everyone. Bagão Félix supported Vale e Azevedo and is on Noronha Lopes' list. Does that make him less serious or honest? Or less of a Benfiquista than any of us? No one from Rui Costa's candidacy compared Noronha Lopes to Vale e Azevedo. I understand that indignation. But if there is anyone who should feel outraged, uncomfortable, and who has been insulted over the last three years, it is Rui Costa. And he has always endured it," he added.

"Just look, even on social media, Noronha Lopes downplays everything that is said about Rui Costa. Rui Costa has endured all the defamation, all the names he's been called. For the sake of a greater good, which is called Sport Lisboa e Benfica," José Gandarez concluded.

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