Benfica presidential candidate Rui Costa on Friday again apologized for a contentious debate with his rival, João Noronha Lopes, aiming to underscore club unity and encourage record voter participation ahead of Saturday’s decisive election run-off.
Costa stated the situation with Lopes was “clarified” after their “heated” discussion. He made his latest remarks during his final campaign event at a Benfica supporters’ club in Seixal.
The current club president admitted the debate was not a good example for Benfica. He attributed the friction during the televised exchange to “anxiety.”
“I deeply regret it. We were not a good example of what we want for Benfica,” Costa said.
He added that “the anxiety of the day arriving might have caused a bit more friction, in a situation clarified post-debate. We both left the situation calm.”
Costa expressed satisfaction that the long campaign was nearing its end, which involved a second round of voting. He emphasized the importance of the club focusing on its operations and sports season once the election concludes.
The candidate urged members to surpass the previous record of 85,000 votes, which Guinness World Records did not accept.
“We want to surpass that number. May the members want to put their name in history,” Costa stated.
He expressed confidence in his ambitions to win and described serving Benfica as a “huge pride.” The second round of voting is set for Saturday.