A day after becoming a free agent, Joao Mario moves to Benfica

Joao Mario's move to Benfica is one of the more controversial moves in recent years in Portuguese football. The midfielder left Inter Milan on Monday and less than 24 hours later, he was announced as a reinforcement for Benfica. 

The controversy resides in Joao Mario's Sporting Lisbon past, Benfica's city rivals. The Portuguerse was sold to Inter Milan and Sporting said he could not go to any other Portuguese club without a penalty. 

Therefore, Joao Mario terminated his Inter contract on Monday, before reaching an agreement to join Benfica a few hours later. To make things worse, the midfielder played on loan at Sporting last term. 

Benfica have not given more information on the agreement signed with the player, who played 34 matches for Sporting last term and he was key to them winning the league.

 

July 13, 2021