Considered the most valuable goalkeeper in Brazilian football, Bento already adds seven months working in Saudi Arabia. Negotiated by Athletico with Al-Nassr for EUR 18 million (around R$ 107 million) in July last year, the 25-year-old athlete keeps his focus on the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with UmTwo Sports, Bento revealed that he followed Hurricane's performance during the season, including the painful downturn to the B Series. Whenever he has the opportunity, he watches the team's games.
"It was complicated. During the America Cup, I followed every match. The team was fine, but then he started to get goals in additions. After my departure, the time zone difference made it a little difficult. When the games ended late, I checked the results as soon as I woke up," he reported.
Bento strengthened his cheer for the club and his hope for the Athletic recovery. "It was sad and painful. In the last game against Atlético-MG, I wore my shirt and followed the couch twisting. Now it's about thinking back on top, because Athletico has to be in Series A, fighting over Liberators and titles. "
Criticism of the board and support for goalkeeper Léo Linck
About the transition in the Athletic goal, Benedict commented on the situation of Léo Linck, who lost his title to Mycael before being negotiated with the Botafogo.
"Unfortunately, he was appointed as an 'appointment bod'. Mistakes happen, it's normal. He's had some flaws, publicly acknowledged, but that's how football is. Sometimes, even without guilt, the goalkeeper ends up carrying responsibility," he said.
Benedict lamented that Linck did not have the expected game sequence and wished the former colleague success in his new phase. "He always dreamed of building a story in the Athletic, but for now this cycle is on pause. Maybe in the future he'll come back. I wish him the best in Botafogo.”
Frustrated negotiations with European clubs
Athletic refused proposals from Benfica and the Inter of Milan before the sale of Benedict to the Al-Nassr. Although he has always expressed interest in European football, the goalkeeper has ensured that he has no hard feelings.
" Of course, it is a nuisance when opportunities at this level arise and the negotiations do not take place. I talked to the board about my goals, but I understood the decision. In the end, it was settled. It wasn't something I could change," he explained.
He also pointed out that his stay at the club until July 2024 was influenced by the removal of President Mario Celso Petraglia, who faced health problems.
"Maybe if Petraglia were more active at the time, things would have been different. But I don't resent it. That's what happened and we moved on," he concluded.
Exit of idols and lack of reinforcements: Bento critical management
Another point addressed by the goalkeeper was the departure of historical names from the cast, such as Thiago Heleno and Pablo, which were discarded for the 2025 season after the demotion.
"It was guys who helped me a lot. Pablo, even when I wasn't at the club, congratulated me on opening night. Thiago Heleno is a great guy. I am sad about the outcome of this story," he said.
Benedict also pinned the board on commenting on the lack of cast investments, a factor that, according to him, contributed to the fall for Series B.
" It's everyone's responsibility, not just the players'. The board knew they needed to reinforce the cast. Now, no use looking back, is to focus on the future and hope the club recovers quickly," he concluded.
