Born in Mogofores. He caught the eye at Anadia and went to Coimbra at a time when the world was shown in black and white. In Lisbon he found the Light that always illuminated him. From player to coach. 75 years of life and an unconditional love of football where he won everyone’s respect. We went to Castelo de São Jorge, in Lisbon, to talk about this life filled with emotions. And it was worth it…
It was in the capital of Portugal that he projected himself to the world. What’s left of that boy from Eira, in Mogofores?
– I never forget my origins and although I have almost 52 years of life in Lisbon, my origins are never forgotten, as this is the land of my grandparents, my great-grandparents and my parents. My roots will always be linked to Mogofores. Lisbon was a journey that happened in my life as was Coimbra, which preceded my coming here. All these years in the capital make me like this beautiful city, which holds and holds us. Mogofores is always in my heart. This I can never deny.
– What dreams did the boy born in Mogofores have that led him to go out and conquer the world?
– The dream of so many of that generation, in an obscure Portugal of the time. A boy who, in a village in the interior, 30 kilometers from the coast, had a school for boys and girls. At that time, it was extraordinary, in a country that lived in great illiteracy. Then it was playing in the street. Finishing school and going to play 5 against 5, with the bags serving as a goal. This was my ritual for years, until the most serious part of Anadia, Académica and Benfica appeared.
– When does Toni become the «Toni do Benfica»?
– When you arrive at a club the size of Benfica, which goes from Portugal to the world. When you are part of the history of a club of this dimension… It was over 34 years at Benfica, in different roles. As a player, assistant coach, head coach and sporting director. Toni from Benfica is priceless. It fills me with pride. My name is António José da Conceição Oliveira and nobody associates that name with me. Being Toni from Benfica is something that makes me deeply proud. I haven’t been with Benfica since I was little. My childhood club was Belenenses. My father was from Belenenses. What happens is that then you surrender to the cause with rigor and professionalism. I think it was this delivery that ended up earning me this respect and admiration, which translates into Toni do Benfica.
– At this stage of the diamond wedding, what balance do you make?
– I don’t look at the ID card anymore. I renewed it and now I think it’s valid for ten years. Must be the ten I still have to be around. Fortunately, I’m still healthy and I know my years, but I’m not disturbed. It doesn’t scare me to be years old, as long as I maintain the quality of life, as far as health is concerned. Even with some dribbles I had to do [à minha saúde] I’m not afraid.
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