Roma, coached by Portuguese José Mourinho, announced today the hiring, for five seasons, of goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who, at the end of his contract, left Benfica at zero cost, announced the Italian club.
“I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. When I heard about Roma’s interest, I was immediately excited,” said the 22-year-old, linked to the Transalpines until June 30, 2027.
The 22-year-old Serbian arrived at Benfica in 2017, with 18, as a great international promise, however, shortly after Rui Vitória gave him the title, he was no longer the main bet for the red goal, not having subsequently convinced any of the several coaches he worked with.
When he was Manchester United’s coach, José Mourinho beat Benfica at Luz, 1-0, with a goal facilitated by Svilar, but the Portuguese only had praise for the then opponent.
“I like this kid because he gets out of goal and he’s not afraid. It’s a big, big talent. Svilar is a beast, he will be one of the great goalkeepers”, said, at the time, the coach of the ‘red devils’.
The appreciation for the young goalkeeper is now confirmed with his signing to Roma, a fact that left Svilar motivated.
“Working with a coach like José Mourinho is unbelievable and I’m ready to do everything I can to help the team”, promised the athlete who arrived in Portugal from Anderlecht, Belgium.
Tiago Pinto, managing director of Roma, praised “a young player with a great future ahead of him”, considering that Svilar “has great potential and a strong work ethic”.
“With his signing, we are not only focused on improving our short-term prospects, but also on building the best possible foundations for the club’s future.”
Svilar will wear the number 99 jersey of the ‘Giallorossi’, who had already hired his compatriot Nemaja Matic, also ex-Benfica, and will have the competition of the Portuguese Rui Patrício in the goal of Roma.