Former Benfica coach Mario Wilson has given his backing to the Eagles for lifting the Primeira Liga title this season, after being given a special tribute by the club.
The 82-year-old was specially invited to the Benfica awards night and was given a memento for his services to the side.
Wilson, who used to play as a midfielder for the Reds’ arch-rivals Sporting Lisbon, switched allegiances in 1975 after choosing to become the coach at Estadio da Luz. He soon earned plaudits for his work after becoming the first Portuguese tactician to lift
the Liga Sagres trophy with the club.
He further enhanced his reputation by securing the Portuguese Cup in the 1995/1996 campaign and has been hailed as one of the historical team’s legends. The former Academica man was present last night as awards were being handed out and he himself was given
one in recognition for his feats.
The Lisbon giants presented him with a Cosme Damian tribute award and Wilson was rightfully thrilled with the honour.
Speaking to reporters, he backed his ex-employers to win the title and also revealed that he was delighted after being given official recognition at the helm.
"The title? It's in the bag! It's nice to receive an award from my club before I die. It feels very comforting to receive a trophy from the club of my heart, there is no money that can match this.”
He also added that he was often given a lot of stick in Lisbon but he sorely missed the club whenever he was away from it.
"Throughout my career I was repeatedly at fire with Benfica. And I got some glasses! Fifty years linked to Benfica? More! It's my life. In http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mozambique-c2962 I was already suffering from being away from the club.”
Lastly he revealed that his presence at the Stadium of Light had not been taken too enthusiastically by their cross-town rivals, who were angry at him for favouring http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ side.
"I came here, which has upset Sporting,” he said.
With the backing of many across the continent, Benfica will go into their crucial tie against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 with confidence and if they secure three points, it will place them as firm favourites for the title.
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