Cristóvão Carvalho’s candidacy for the presidency of Benfica considered “worrying” the statements of João Noronha Lopes about a possible return of Bernardo Silva to Luz. Ballthe electoral opponent revealed that he had “a contract waiting” from the Portuguese international, still expressing the desire to bring him in January, if he is elected.
In a statement, Cristóvão Carvalho stressed that the situation “requires clarity” and required a public clarification of Noronha Lopes: “Cristóvão Carvalho’s candidacy for the presidency of Sport Lisboa and Benfica considers that, less than two months from the elections, news arises that João Noronha Lopes has prepared a contract for Bernardo Silva, with the aim of bringing him in January.”
«Is there really a ready contract? If so, how does this plan fit the rules of football and ethics that, he says, argues? ‘Asks the candidacy. The candidate recalls that Bernardo Silva can only negotiate freely from January 2026, as the contract with Manchester City ends in June this year.
Although it admits that the desire to see Bernardo Silva will return to Benfica “is legitimate and shared by many adherents”, Cristóvão Carvalho warns of the risk of electoral manipulation and the creation of false expectations. The candidate went further, evoking the 2000 campaign, when Manuel Vilarinho promised to hire Mario Jardel to defeat Vale and Azevedo, something that never materialized: “This kind of populist promise cannot be repeated; Adepts deserve truth and responsibility, not electoral spectacle. Benfica deserves respect. »
«Something more than a spot in light is at stake, it is the future of the club. Using the name of a player like Bernardo Silva in advance, appealing to the dream of adherents, can divert the focus from what really should guide these elections: integrity, commitment and unshakable defense of the club’s collective interest, ”he concluded.
