Nolito excited at Benfica switch

Benfica winger Nolito says he is delighted with his first months at the Estadio da Luz and credited former suitors Barcelona for his success.

The 24-year-old attacker moved to Portugal in the off-season on a free transfer after growing unhappy at his lack of opportunities at the Camp Nou.

Nolito has been a big hit at the Lisbon-based club, having so far scored eight goals in all competitions, including three in the Champions League qualifying stages.

Questioned about his start to life at Benfica, Nolito told Spanish news agency EFE: “I did not expect it. I was a stranger to the team, to this city and to this playing style.”

“Things have been going better than expected, but I have to keep working. If I am at Benfica, it is all because of Barcelona.”

“I moved to Barcelona B at the age of 20 and I was a bit chubby. Coach Luis Enrique spoke to me and helped me a lot. I consider Luis Enrique my father in football.”

Nolito stressed that the Catalan club offered him a new contract, which he turned down in order to get regular playing time.

“At first, I did not expect that Barcelona’s first team, the best team in the world, wanted me to renew (my contract),” the Spaniard said.

“But on the other hand, I was 24 and I wanted to try something new.”

“Guardiola gave me a lot of trust by putting me on the first team and taking me to many matches.”