Benfica’s Sporting Director Rui Costa has spoken out after Odysseas Vlachodimos left the club to join Nottingham Forest on deadline day.
The Reds spent £7.7 million on the 29-year-old Greek international, providing competition for fellow new signing Matt Turner.
Vlachodimos was allowed to leave the club after five years in Portugal following a fallout with boss Roger Schmidt over his on-field performances.
A few days on from his departure from the club, legend Costa has spoken about the shot-stopper, admitting he still has the ‘utmost respect’ for the 29-year despite his departure.
Rui Costa on the departure of Odysseas Vlachodimos
Speaking in an interview with BTV, Costa revealed all about Vlachodimos and wished him well on his new adventure at Nottingham Forest.
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“I’m not going to put under the carpet what happened, because it became public.
“Vlachodimos represented Benfica for five years and therefore deserves the utmost respect. After what happened and realizing that he could lose space in the team, it was even his will to find a solution.
“The coming of Trubin precvia, not only the competition in the goal but also a possible exit of Vlachodimos.
“Arriving at Nottingham Forest’s proposal, which was beneficial to Benfica and the player, in conversation with the player, we considered that the best option would be to accept that proposal.
“I will always be grateful for what he did for Benfica for five seasons as a starter at Benfica. Football is this, his cycle at the club has closed.”