We have known for some time that João Felix is going to be an Atletico Madrid player next season.
The deal that takes the 19-year old to Madrid is expected to be made official in the coming days.
With that news in mind, Benfica manager Bruno Lage has been discussing the teenage forward with BTV.
It is the first time that Lage has addressed the pending departure of the Portugal international, and he shared his hopes for what Felix could be - or could have been - at the club.
“I think Joao could be a great reference that Benfica has been lacking, mainly because he is Portuguese, for what he represents and because he is a kid that came through the academy.”
“Joao could be the great reference that the Benfica family needs and appreciates, as was the case during the last 5 months.”
Lage added: “I would have liked to see Joao leave Portugal and the club after spending more than just 5 months [at Benfica].”
“If he leaves, he will do so as a club idol, but I would have liked him to leave after more time with the team to confirm what these five months have demonstrated.”
“But he is a young talent, convinced of his ideas and thinks for himself, and if he decides to go down another direction in his life, he is certain to have a great career.”