Benfica captain says good bye to club

Benfica captain Jardel has recently stated to Brazilian journalist Cristian Delo Santos @cdelosantos on his blog that his time at Benfica has come to an end after eleven seasons once his contract expires at the end of this month. Jardel hopes to continue his career in Europe but is uncertain at this time where that might be and with who. The 35 year old joined Benfica from Desportivo Brasil in the winter of 2011 for €4.48M after spending time on loan with Portuguese clubs Estoril and Olhanense.

Jardel appeared in 285 games for Benfica across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and adding 17 assists in a Benfica career that saw the veteran center back spend a good amount of time on the injury list the past three seasons. Jardel won five Portuguese League Championships during his Benfica tenure and also added five League Cups, three Super Cups and two Portuguese Cups for a total of 15 titles. Jardel was named the clubs captain in September 2018 after the retirement of country man Luisao. 

Jardel Benfica Highlights:

- Joined club from Deportivo Brasil on January 2011
- Appeared in first game on February 11, 2011 against Guimaraes
- Scored first goal on April 28, 2011 against Braga in Europa League
- Won first Portuguese League title during the 2013/14 season
- Scored first league goal on January 4, 2015 against Penafiel
- Named club captain in September 2018
- Won first League title as captain during the 2018/19 season 

Thank you Jardel for your time at the club and wishing you the best wherever your career takes you next.