Benfica president Rui Costa discussed his memories of Cristiano Ronaldo, his time in Serie A and Portugal’s hopes for the World Cup in Qatar.
The former attacking midfielder spent 12 years of his career in Italy, starting out in Fiorentina from 1994 to 2001 before spending five years with Milan. Rui Costa became a fan favourite during his time in Serie A and is still fondly remembered by many supporters following his retirement in 2008. He was elected Benfica president in October of last year.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Rui Costa first remembered his meeting with Ronaldo at the Portugal camp.
“It was his first competition in the national team, for me it was my last, maybe penultimate. There was a generation change going on, he was a very happy child and did things in training that nobody else did.
“We used to break his head every day to make him play as easy as possible, but when it was only us seniors left saying ‘this is the best in the world’ we had already realised what a monster of a man he was there with us, he got where he got.”
He gave his thoughts on Portugal’s hopes at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
“This is a good generation, there are many talented players playing in the best teams and in the major leagues.
“At the level of experience and competitiveness they’re very ready, then there are many good talents who have to take advantage of the World Cup. Get there and enjoy that pleasure of representing a national team.”
The Benfica president reflected on his 12-year spell in Italy and what it left with him.
“At club level it’s my second home, I spent twelve years here in Italy, I will be grateful for how they welcomed me. If we talk about Fiorentina and Milan I have great nostalgia for those times.
“It’s true that I am a Benfica fan from head to toe, but these two teams have entered my heart with tremendous power. I was lucky not to have played for a thousand teams, but I am very attached to those I represented.
“Even though I am president of Benfica, Italy continues to accompany my life on a regular basis.”
Finally, Rui Costa spoke about the ongoing Serie A season and the performance of his two teams.
“Napoli are flying, my Milan are struggling to go with them, my Fiorentina didn’t start well.”
Rui Costa scored 50 goals and provided 43 assists in his 277 appearances for Fiorentina. With Milan, the former attacking midfielder netted 11 and produced 47 assists in 192 games.