Promising Benfica striker bids farewell: “A thank you isn’t enough” | OneFootball

After leaving Benfica to sign permanently with Marítimo on the last day of the winter transfer window, José Melro took to his social media this Thursday to bid farewell to the Eagles. The forward wants to help the islanders achieve promotion to Liga Portugal Betclic 2026/2027.

"My dear Benfica, I am eternally grateful for these spectacular 3 years. They were 3 years of learning, many battles, and many joys. I take with me people for life, people who helped me integrate and who stayed with me until the end of my journey at the club. I also want to thank the fans, who always made me feel part of the club and who are the ones who highlight the greatness of this institution. My journey at Benfica ends here, but the memories will always remain with me. A ‘thank you’ is not enough for everything this club has given me. Thank you, Benfica", wrote the 21-year-old on his official Instagram account.

The Eagles, led by Rui Costa, also wished José Melro well in a statement on their official website. "Sport Lisboa e Benfica wishes José Melro the best of luck in this new chapter of his sporting career".

After three and a half years at Seixal, where he successively represented the Under-19, B, and Under-23 teams, Melro decided to move to the Madeiran club, leaders of the 2nd League, already with the perspective of playing in the top national division next season.

This season, wearing the Benfica shirt, José Melro — valued at 600 thousand euros — played a total of nine official matches for the reserve team: seven in Liga Portugal Meu Super and two in the Premier League International Cup. In the 451 minutes he was on the pitch, the youngster scored one goal.

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