Sérgio Krithinas revealed a conversation he had with João Palhinha at the airport during a vacation trip across Europe with his family in July, at a time when Benfica's interest in the player had just been publicly announced. The midfielder told Krithinas that he didn't really know what his future would be.
During the conversation, João Palhinha stated that he would go wherever he felt most wanted and desired. Krithinas was left with the clear impression that Benfica would be a very strong possibility for the player.
It should be recalled that Sporting presented an official offer of 8 million euros fixed plus 4 million in variables to Bayern Munich for the Portuguese international, but the player ended up moving to Benfica.
