Humberto Coelho, one of Benfica’s greatest figures and a former Portugal international, has shared his view on the ongoing discussion surrounding Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva’s potential return to Lisbon.
Speaking to A Bola, the club legend said he has “no doubts” that the Portuguese star will eventually wear the red shirt again, regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential election.
“I know that, no matter who the president is, Bernardo Silva will return to Benfica,” Coelho stated. “Right now, it’s impossible to bring him back. He’s at an extraordinary club where he earns a fortune. But I’m sure that one day he’ll come back.”
Coelho drew a parallel with his own career, recalling the time he left Benfica for Paris Saint-Germain due to financial reasons. “I went to PSG when Benfica was going through financial difficulties. I went to earn money and then I came back. Just like Bernardo will,” he explained.
When asked whether a possible Rui Costa victory in the elections could affect that scenario, Coelho was emphatic. “It doesn’t change anything. He’ll come back with any president because that’s what he wants. To finish his career at Benfica,” he said.
The former player, who also worked closely with Bernardo Silva at the Portuguese Football Federation, was full of praise for the midfielder’s personality. “He’s an extraordinary person. He has character, strength, intelligence, and he’s very kind. He speaks several languages. He’s a fantastic person and a fantastic player,” Coelho added.
The comments add yet another angle to the political and emotional debate that has dominated Portuguese football over recent weeks.
While João Noronha Lopes has made Silva’s return a campaign promise, Coelho’s view suggests that, regardless of who leads Benfica next, the Manchester City star’s homecoming is only a matter of time.
