Benficas Rui Costa Responds to Felix Following Rejection Allegations

Rui Costa Addresses João Félix’s Claims of Rejection by Benfica

Benfica’s president Rui Costa has responded to statements made by João Félix, who suggested that the club had turned him away.

Félix’s Desire to Rejoin Benfica

Currently playing for Chelsea, Félix indicated that he sought to orchestrate a comeback to Benfica over the last three years.

Rui Costa’s Reaction

I’m truly disappointed that João would express such thoughts, and I feel for him as well,

stated Rui Costa. He emphasized,

If it had been Benfica’s intention… based on the proposals we made to facilitate his return to Lisbon, he would have rejoined us three years ago, not just now.

Costa further expressed,

I prefer not to delve too deeply into this matter, as I hold great respect for João. He is a local talent — a player we nurtured from a young age — and I have a deep respect and admiration for his journey. I hope that one day he will don Benfica’s jersey again.

In a reflective tone, Costa added,

It saddens me on his behalf that he made such comments. He must articulate what it means for him when a team or a club takes steps — or fails to take steps — to welcome a player back home.

Costa also pointed out that over these three years, clubs like Chelsea, Barcelona, and Milan have shown more consistent interest in Félix.

That may very well be the case,

he acknowledged, referring to the financial complexity of such a move for the Lisbon side.