Row erupts: Florentino hits back at Benfica legend, says never any... | OneFootball

Florentino Luís wasted no time in responding to Pedro Mantorras. The footballer, who came up through the ranks at Benfica, issued a statement on social media in which he refutes the claims made by the former striker of the Eagles regarding an alleged intention to represent the Angolan national team.

"I consider it important to clarify that there was never any agreement for me to represent the Angolan National Team. I was born in Angola and I am deeply proud of my origins, which are part of my identity and my personal and family history," reads the statement shared by the player, who has been making a name for himself in England.

"At the same time, it was in Portugal that I grew up from a very young age and where I was trained. It was in Portugal that I had my first opportunities and the conditions to develop as a player and as a person," added the former Benfica number 66, highlighting his journey at Luz.

"My desire to represent Portugal is very strong. I have already had the privilege of wearing the national colors, of being a European champion at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels, and I aspire to represent the Portuguese National Team at the highest level again, in the senior team," emphasized the Portuguese midfielder.

Florentino reacted in this way after Mantorras claimed there was an agreement between the player and the Angolan federation. "I had to deliver two cars in Angola for Florentino's wife and for the people who might come with him. I took on all of that so Florentino could represent Angola," said the former Benfica striker to the local press.

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