Benfica boss Jorge Jesus takes aim at Man City’s history as Ruben Dias makes tearful farewell
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus has savagely taken aim at Manchester City and their history by telling Ruben Dias he is joining a ‘smaller club’.
Jesus, who is known to be frank and a straight-talker, made the not-so-subtle dig as Dias made a tearful farewell to his Benfica team-mates ahead of his £64million move to the Etihad.
As the Benfica squad sat around the dressing room, Jesus took the moment to praise the 23-year-old before having a pop at his new club.
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus (R) told Ruben Dias (middle) he’s joining a ‘smaller club’ in Man City
The outspoken Jesus made the dig at City as Dias bid farewell to his Benfica team-mates
Jesus said: ‘Ruben is having a send off, not only for what the team has accomplished, but for he game [2-0 win over Moreirense] he’s played, too.
‘He was the captain, scored a goal so everything was brilliant. His future looks brilliant too, we all believe that.
‘The life of a footballer is a bit like this, you’re leaving a great club [Benfica], bigger than City, which is only smaller financially. And that’s what makes the difference, the rest with with you.’
The 23-year-old addressed his Benfica team-mates after captaining the side in his final game
It all appeared to be too much for the defender, who struggled to hold back the tears
Dias weeps after saying goodbye to his team-mates before completing his £64m move to City
After receiving a round of applause and more kind words from management, Dias took the time to address his team-mates but it appeared to be too much for the centre-back, as he choked back the tears.
Having just captained Benfica in his final game, and getting a goal, Dias revealed that he has always dreamed of this moment, which he is very grateful for.
‘My biggest wish was to leave in the right moment, and I think we, all the people I work with, the people at home that support me, we managed that,’ Dias said.
‘I have always wanted to leave with a smile on my face, I have been here at Benfica for a long time. All in all, I just want you to know, you know it already, that I am leaving happy and you should be happy for me too, that I am keeping working on my dream.
City confirmed the signing of Dias on Monday as he put pen to paper a six-year deal
‘I have always – even though I love this club – wanted this moment to come and I am conquering that. I’ll take you all in my heart.
‘My biggest wish is that you guys smash it and become champions. I was already in that mood and it’s also hard to leave because of that. Have great success and the coach is here to do that, guide us to the top so I just hope you win and smash it all.’
City confirmed the signing of Dias on Monday, with the defender signing a six-year deal with the four-time Premier League champions.
