António Silva's farewell highlights Roger Schmidt's evolving legacy

Record sub‑editor Rafael Soares dissects António Silva’s farewell, juxtaposing the 22‑year‑old centre‑back’s gratitude to coach Roger Schmidt with his departure from Benfica after eleven years to join English side Bournemouth, a move that marks the end of his youth‑academy upbringing and a new chapter in the Premier League.

Soares points out that Silva explicitly thanked Schmidt in the message, underscoring the coach’s influence on his development during his time at the Portuguese club.

Silva spent eleven years at Benfica, rising through the ranks before establishing himself as a regular in the senior squad.

The farewell (Despedida) was published in Record, where Rafael Soares highlighted the emotional tone of the young defender’s statement.

Silva wrote, “the years are exonerating Roger Schmidt in many things,” reflecting a softened view of the coach after a long partnership.

The contrast between heartfelt appreciation and a decisive transfer illustrates both the conclusion of Silva’s Benfica era and the beginning of his career in English football.