Javier
Balboa has been officially presented to the press and Benfica fans as a new successful transfer. The 23-year-old was introdued at the club headquarters last week, signing a four year deal.
The former Real Madrid player cost Benfica four million euros and hopes to show his quality in Portugal. He has a release clause set to 20 million euros. “I have great confidence in manager Quique and I’m at a huge European club, the biggest in Portugal. Real Madrid is number 1 in the world and the pressures are there on a daily basis, so I’m prepared for what I will find here. I know about Benfica’s history. I talked to some colleagues at Atletico Madrid, like Simao, and he told me how wonderful the club and city are.”
Balboa has the versatility of being able to play both on the left and right wings. The quality of the Real Madrid squad ensured his stay away from the first team, and that Benfica will be a great opportunity for the young Equatorial Guinea International, having earned four appearances since June 2, 2007.
Balboa defined himself as a ‘quick’ player who enjoys playing on the wings, “especially through the left, where I can cross from and give my best services. But when it’s possible, I also like to have a shot. My football is rapid and technical,” he said. Despite admitting he was not expecting to sign for such a big club, he said he is ready to grasp this chance to progress as a player after tough times at Real Madrid. “It’s very gratifying that such a big team is counting on me, especially after some bad times. I suffered last year as much as
Soldado. I knew I would only be called up to replace an injured or suspended colleague. Playing well would not mean anything because I would be back on the substitutes’ bench anyway. My passage through Real Madrid is now a thing of the past. Now, I have to think about the future and take this opportunity,” said
Balboa. He is Benfica’s third signing for next season, after acquiring the services of
Ruben Amorim and Yebda.