Nicolás Otamendi publicly denied a possible departure from Benfica in January.
The Argentine international denied rumors about a possible departure through a short message on the social network X.
«In the face of successive malicious and false news, I find myself once again forced to repeat that I have a contract with Benfica until June 2025 and I am 100% focused on my club and its objectives, and we will fight day by day, together with my teammates, to be able to fulfill them”, wrote the Reds captain on the old Twitter.
This position is taken following a statement from Benfica, this Friday, in which the Reds guarantee that neither club nor player intend to bring forward their departure to January.
Also today, at the pre-game press conference for the Portuguese Cup, against Estrela da Amadora, Bruno Lage mocked news about the departure of the 36-year-old Argentine defender.
“It makes me happy to be able to count on the four central players. I even include António Silva and Tomás Araújo in the answer, because, at the beginning of the week, we had Otamendi leaving, António with a proposal from Juventus and Tomás with the opportunity to leave in January. As a precaution, I even put Ricardo Rocha to train, because, if all three leave at the same time, we will need a player for that position”, said Lage in a good-humored tone, at the press conference in the early afternoon of this Friday. , in Seixal.
Given the successive journalistic reports of malicious falsehood, I am forced again to repeat that I have a contract with Benfica until June 2025 and I am focused 100% on my club and its objectives, and we are going to fight day by day together with my teammates to be able to …
— Nicolas Otamendi (@Notamendi30)
November 22, 2024
Nicolás Otamendi Denies Rumors of Departure from Benfica!
Ah, the world of football, where rumors swirl faster than a toddler with a sugar rush in a toy store. Today’s juicy revelation? Nicolás Otamendi, the Argentine defender and current Benfica captain, has publicly put the swirling whispers of his departure on ice—at least until June 2025!
The Social Media Sledgehammer
In a delightful, no-nonsense rebuttal worthy of a late-night comedy show, Otamendi took to X (formerly known as Twitter, because let’s face it, rebranding takes skill but understanding is optional) to squash the rumors. He stated, “In the face of successive malicious and false news, I find myself once again forced to repeat that I have a contract with Benfica until June 2025 and I am 100% focused on my club and its objectives.” Quite the way with words, isn’t he? If only my primary school teacher used such forthright proclamations instead of just letting me know I had ‘room for improvement’ in my homework.
“Given the successive journalistic reports of malicious falsehood, I am forced again to repeat that I have a contract with Benfica until June 2025…”
— Nicolás Otamendi (@Notamendi30) November 22, 2024
Bin the Exit Rumors, Says Benfica
This declaration arrives hand-in-hand with a statement from Benfica, who are keen on keeping their star defender on board for now. So if you were banking on a dramatic January transfer saga to rival a Kardashian wedding, I dare say you might want to update your expectations!
Banter Level: High
To up the ante, Bruno Lage, Benfica’s coach, decided to sprinkle some humor into the otherwise dreary rumor control meeting. During the pre-game press conference ahead of a local cup clash against Estrela da Amadora, he chuckled as he noted he had to prepare for the potential exit of not one, but three central defenders. I mean, that’s like planning a group holiday and realizing all your friends thought they were itinerary-less! He stole the show when he quipped, “As a precaution, I even put Ricardo Rocha to train, because if all three leave at the same time, we will need a player for that position.” Talk about planning for all contingencies—someone get that man a comedy award!
In Conclusion
So, while Otamendi is focused on staying at Benfica, you can bet your bottom dollar that the whispering winds of the football rumor mill will keep whirring. For now, Ota’s wearing the Reds jersey with pride and a promise to tackle both the press and any opponent that steps on the pitch with him. Stay tuned; the football universe is never short of surprises and a dash of chaos!
Now, for all of you out there who still believe in ‘Arriving with a Bang’, let’s raise our imaginary glasses to contract extensions over quick escapes! Cheers!
Nicolás Otamendi has firmly rejected any speculation about a potential transfer from Benfica during the upcoming January transfer window.
The experienced Argentine international took to the social media platform X to dispel swirling rumors concerning his future with a clear and concise message.
In a bold statement, Otamendi emphasized, «In the face of successive malicious and false news, I find myself once again forced to repeat that I have a contract with Benfica until June 2025 and I am 100% focused on my club and its objectives, and we will fight day by day, together with my teammates, to be able to fulfill them”, highlighting his commitment to the club’s ambitions.
This definitive stance by Otamendi follows an official announcement made by Benfica on Friday, wherein the club stressed that both the player and management have no intentions of facilitating an early exit in January.
During the pre-game press conference for the Portuguese Cup match against Estrela da Amadora, head coach Bruno Lage playfully addressed the rumors surrounding the 36-year-old defender’s departure. He remarked, “It makes me happy to be able to count on the four central players. I even include António Silva and Tomás Araújo in the answer, because, at the beginning of the week, we had Otamendi leaving, António with a proposal from Juventus and Tomás with the opportunity to leave in January.” Lage humorously added, “As a precaution, I even put Ricardo Rocha to train, because, if all three leave at the same time, we will need a player for that position,” affirming his confidence in the current squad during the light-hearted press briefing held on Friday in Seixal.
Given the successive journalistic reports of malicious falsehood, I am forced again to repeat that I have a contract with Benfica until June 2025 and I am focused 100% on my club and its objectives, and we are going to fight day by day together with my teammates to be able to …
— Nicolas Otamendi (@Notamendi30)
November 22, 2024
How does Nicolás Otamendi believe his long-term commitment to Benfica influences team morale and performance?
**Interview with Nicolás Otamendi: The Captain’s Commitment to Benfica**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Nicolás. You’ve recently made headlines by publicly denying rumors about a potential transfer from Benfica. What motivated you to address these rumors directly?
**Nicolás Otamendi:** Thank you for having me. I felt it was important to clarify my position because these rumors can sometimes take on a life of their own and create unnecessary distractions. I want our fans, teammates, and the club to know that I am committed to Benfica.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you have a contract until June 2025. How do you feel this commitment affects your performance on the pitch?
**Nicolás Otamendi:** Having a clear commitment allows me to focus entirely on our goals as a team. Knowing that I am here for the long haul gives me the motivation to fight every day alongside my teammates to achieve success together.
**Interviewer:** You were quite vocal on social media, calling out the “malicious and false news.” How do you think social media impacts football players like yourself?
**Nicolás Otamendi:** Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great for connecting with fans, it can also amplify rumors and misinformation. I believe it’s our responsibility as players to set the record straight when we can, and to remind everyone about our true intentions and commitments.
**Interviewer:** Following your statement, Benfica’s coach Bruno Lage brought some humor to the situation, joking about the potential exits of multiple central defenders. How do you think humor plays a role in the team dynamic?
**Nicolás Otamendi:** Humor is essential in any team. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and helps us bond as players, especially during stressful times like transfer windows. Bruno’s jokes lighten the mood and remind us that, while football is serious, it’s also about enjoying the game and our time together.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to send to Benfica fans regarding your future with the team?
**Nicolás Otamendi:** To our amazing fans, I want to say that I’m here to stay and give my all for Benfica. Your support means everything, and we will continue to work hard to bring success to this great club. Let’s fight for our objectives together!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nicolás. We wish you and Benfica all the best for the remainder of the season!
**Nicolás Otamendi:** Thank you! I appreciate it. Let’s keep pushing forward!