Former Benfica great Luisao talks about depression battle

Former Benfica captain and technical director Luisao recently appeared on CNN Portugal discussing his battle with depression and his departing from the club, Portugal and his return to living in Brazil after 21 years in Portugal. 

Luisao stated that once he asked for help for the depression, things started to turn around for him, from someone that was becoming isolated and felt helpless to someone that is now looking to help others that are battling their own mental health issues.

Luisao says the move back to Sao Paulo had it's adjustment period with the city's population bigger then all of Portugal but feels that the move was well thought out and has helped with his recovery. Luisao is still signed with Benfica until the end of the year but remains on a leave of absence.

Luisao joined Benfica in the summer of 2003, playing in 15 seasons with the club before taking on a director role the past six. Luisao captured 20 titles and cups with Benfica during his playing days at the club with six of those being Portuguese League titles. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, remember that help is available. Please reach out to a medical professional in your area for help or contact the local crisis line, you are not alone although it may feel that way. 

 

Benfica could see return of Lindelof in summer

Man United center back Victor Lindelof is being targeted for a return to Benfica this summer as the Lisbon club looks to sign the upcoming free agent in what would be a likely move to replace captain Nico Otamendi who's contract will also be up this summer.

The 30 year old Lindelof last played for Benfica during the 2016-17 season before departing the club to join United in the summer of 2017 for €35M. He has appeared in 270 games across all competitions for United but it is not expected that the Premier League club will offer him a contract extension.

With Otamendi now pushing the age of 37 the club seems set to move on from the Argentinian international but will be looking for a veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball and someone to team up with one of their younger stars in the back end. 

Lindelof played in 169 games across all competitions between Benfica and Benfica B during his time at the club. The Swedish skipper arrived in the summer of 2012 and became a regular member of the main squad during the 2015-16 season.

Tiago Gouveia is two weeks away from returning to lineup

Benfica winger Tiago Gouveia is closing in on a return to the Benfica ranks after being out of action since suffering an injury to his shoulder back in August that required surgery to repair and has yet to suit for a game under Bruno Lage.

The 23 year old has played at total of eighty-three minutes this season, scoring one goal and providing a helper in a game against Casa Pia. Gouveia has appeared in thirty-one games across all competitions with Benfica, with the majority of game time coming last season when he became a permanent member of the squad under Roger Schmidt.

Gouveia has started taking part in squad activities and will be a welcome edition to Benfica who have been hit with a host of player injuries, while remaining in three competitions. The League, the Taca de Portugal and the Champions League.