Thank You

I still remember the first time i watched Rui Costa play, it was during the U-20 World Cup that took place in Portugal in 91. His unique style, and flair really made him stick out, and after he scored the winning penalty against Brazil, he would forever be engraved in my memory.
The first time i watched him play live it was during the Portuguese Cup final in 93 when Benfica beat Boavista. At the time i was in Portugal with my family and it was perfect timing, as me and my dad made the trip to Estadio Nacional to watch, what was possibly, the best Benfica team of the past 15 years. I remember having his poster up in my room as he was a player i truly admired growing up.

It was with some sadness that i saw him depart to Italy, but at the time, it was only a matter of time. Rui was already an important player at Benfica at that time, and he was a great loss for Benfica at the time.
As he moved to Fiorentina, I would occasionally catch his games on TV in the US, as Rai Uno would broadcast a live game every Sunday morning here in the US. Every week i turned on the TV and hoped it was Fiorentina, so that i could watch Rui Costa.
I had another chance to see him live here in the States when Fiorentina played an exhibition match at Giants stadium, and then again a few years later when Milan did the same thing. The very last time i saw Rui Costa live was also at Giants stadium when Benfica played AEK, this past summer. Watching Rui Costa play, was magical, as i have never seen any player with the grace Rui Costa has, it's indescribable, the way he moves on the field with the ball at his feet, his movements perfectly synchronized, it is truly poetry in motion.
His return to Benfica is a true display of the love he has for the club, when many people said that he was too old, Rui responded by carrying Benfica.
He leaves on his own terms, at a time in which he could very well play another couple years, but Rui wants to leave on a high, and i'm sure the last thing he would like to do is to be dragging himself on the field. Too bad Benfica wasn't able to send him off in a nicer fashion, nonetheless, the season will be marked by how Rui Costa was Benfica, and how his class and talent avoided further embarrasment.

Thank You Rui for everything you have done for Benfica and Portuguese futebol. Thank you for the many joys you have brought me and Benfiquista's throughout the world. There are too many moments to remember, too many subliminal plays to describe, but that goal against England in Euro 04 is possibly the moment that brought me the most emotion while watching you.

I will miss what you brought to the field, game in and game out, not only your skill but your sportsmanship and your Benfiquismo.
I have no doubts you will be able to carry that same approach to your new functions.


Video that was shown before his last game