Sometimes, football gives us moments that go beyond the score. We saw one such moment from Florentino Luís in a recent Champions League qualifier. He came onto the field in the 77th minute. The game was against Nice, the first leg of the third qualifying round. Benfica was already leading 1-0. Then, Florentino fired a shot that found the net, making it 2-0. What happened next spoke volumes. He celebrated by putting the ball under his shirt, a gesture that immediately told us something special was happening.
That celebration, he later explained, was for his wife. “It was a beautiful way to announce I’m going to be a father,” he shared after the match in Nice. He had promised his wife he would do it if he scored. This goal wasn’t just a point on the scoreboard. It was a sign of a new chapter in his life. As a defensive midfielder, he often looks to pass. But this time, he saw space and took the chance. He said he usually passes to a teammate in a better spot. But with the team winning, he decided to just shoot.
The 2-0 lead gives Benfica a good cushion for the second leg. They will play at home in the Estádio da Luz next week. But Florentino quickly dismissed any idea that the tie is already over. He believes Nice still has quality. “Not at all,” he said. “We played well, but we saw it will be tough at our home too. They have quality, and we can’t underestimate them.” His caution shows he understands the game’s unpredictable nature.
He also talked about the arrival of Enzo Barranechea. Enzo is another midfielder, and his presence has meant Florentino lost his regular starting spot. But Florentino sees this as a good thing. “When quality players join, it helps everyone,” he explained. “It keeps us all on edge. That push makes us better. That’s how I see this challenge. We are all here to help Benfica succeed.” This attitude highlights his commitment to the team, even when his personal role changes.
Tactical Choices
The team’s tactical setup is also a topic for Florentino. He believes having different ways to play can confuse opponents. “When there’s a tactical change, it’s good because we can confuse the opponent,” he mentioned. He added that the coach is the one who decides. “It will be up to the coach to decide the best tactic for each game.” It shows a player who trusts his leader and understands the big picture.
Transfer Talk
Finally, the talk turned to his future and the transfer market. Players often face rumors about leaving. But Florentino made his position very clear. He still has two years left on his contract with Benfica. “I can promise I will give my all until the last day,” he stated firmly. “I still have two years on my contract, and during these two years, I will give my all for Benfica.” It’s a strong message of loyalty. He’s not just playing for the moment. He’s fully committed to his club, both on the field and in his personal life.