(ANSA) – LISBON, AUGUST 10 – Fernando Chalana, Benfica’s playmaker and winger of whom he was a ‘symbol’, died at the age of 63. He gives the announcement to the multi-champion club of Portugal, with a short note in which he defines the x player “our little genius”. “It is a very sad day for the benfiquista national team and for all football lovers – the words of the president of the club, the former viola Rui Costa, to Benfica TV -. Our genius is gone, but he will remain one of the greatest and most eternal symbols of the club. I will take it upon myself to preserve the memory of Fernando Chalana in the hearts of all those who love Benfica. “
One meter and 65 of pure class, Asterix-style mustache, comic book hero to whom he was also compared for his height, Chalana had made his debut in the Lusitanian top flight at 17 years and 25 days of age, a record in the history of Benfica that he still holds today. With the team of his heart, of which he was also youth coach, he won five national titles, while with the Seleçao of Portugal he reached the semi-finals of the 1984 European Championships, lost 3-2 after extra time against Platini’s France. then champion.
It was in France, in Bordeaux, that Chalana played for three years, after a long experience in Benfica, but due to an interminable series of injuries he put together the misery of 12 appearances in three years. He then decided to return to Benfica and then to end his career playing for a year in Belenenses, another Lisbon team, and for the following season (1991-’92) in Estrela Amadora. (HANDLE).
Source: Ansa
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