Benfica boss Jorge Jesus fires cheeky parting shot at Ruben Dias for ‘leaving a club that is much bigger than Man City’
BENFICA boss Jorge Jesus joked to Ruben Dias he is leaving for a smaller club before his move to Manchester City was confirmed.
The Citizens announced the arrival of the 23-year-old on a six-year deal on Tuesday, with the club forking out £64million to bring him to the Etihad.
As part of the transfer, Nicolas Otamendi departed City to link up with the Portuguese giants.
Dias’ last game for the club came on Saturday, where he opened the scoring during the 2-0 win against Moreirense.
And in the dressing room after the game at the Estadio da Luz, Jesus candidly spoke to Dias in front of the rest of squad.
In a clip that Benfica have posted on Twitter, Jesus said: “There will be a farewell not only for what the team did but also for what he did, was a captain, and scored a goal.
“So it was all brilliant and the future will also be brilliant. We all believe it will be brilliant.
“Life the football player’s a little bit like that.
“You are leaving a club that is much bigger than Manchester City. It’s just not bigger financially.
“That’s what makes the difference. Now the rest will be up to you.”
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After signing his City deal, Dias has stated that the chance to play under Pep Guardiola was an opportunity he pass up.
He said: “To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down.
“Their success speaks for itself.
They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game.
“It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself.
“I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles.”