Wolverhampton winger Hélder Costa has spoken out on Luisão’s failed transfer to the Championship club.
Talking to O Jogo this weekend, the Wolves player revealed how the speculation was commented on in England, but the coverage in Portugal was much bigger.
“The subject had more echo in the Portuguese press than here. There was a day when a newspaper from here published something about this matter, but it was the only time they talked to us about it – to me and the mates who came from Benfica. They asked us if it was true or not, but we didn’t know either.”
Asked if Luisão would easily fit into the team, Costa has no doubts: “We’re talking about a player who’s having a fantastic career and who has been Benfica’s captain for many years. Luisão would certainly get easily into any team, for his stature and also for the leadership he has on the pitch.”
The Wolves player was also questioned whether Luisão’s age isn’t something that could harm the end of his career at Benfica: “For me, 35 is only a number. From what I’ve seen, Luisão has been very good and could still give a lot for that team. He’s a role model for the youngsters.
“See Ricardo Carvalho. I had the opportunity to play with him at Monaco… At 37, 38 years he showed he still has a lot of quality, no wonder why he went to the Euro and helped Portugal to win it. Age is just a number. He have to play as long as the legs allow us to, that’s what matters.”
The Luisão to Wolves rumours were huge in the Portuguese press, and at times the deal was treated as being done, but then everything gradually backed away and the defender remained at Benfica, where he’s a legend.
Whilst the possibility of a deal being revived can’t be ruled out, it has to be considered unlikely that Wolves would look at the deal again, either in January or the next summer transfer window.
Maybe the best idea for Luisão is to see out his career at Benfica.
