Very successful for five seasons at OGC Nice, much appreciated by Gym supporters, Walter Benitez would have deserved another outing at the Allianz Riviera than this 3-1 defeat against Lille last May. On that day, it was impossible to know that the Argentinian had just played his last match in Nice. A month later, here he is in another jersey. Despite the wish to extend a contract which expired at the end of the month with the Gym, Benitez did not find an agreement with the Aiglons and has just entered into a free contract with PSV Eindhoven.
I thought we’d be a few more years together
As of Monday evening Walter Benitez had published on his social networks a farewell note addressed to the supporters of the Gym. “I thought we would be a few more years together. Despite everything and after six beautiful years, my last day has arrived. I’m not saying goodbye to you but see you soon. Because Niçois one day, always Niçois.“Except that this Tuesday it was the colors of PSV Eindhoven that the Argentinian wore on his back to formalize his arrival as number 1 goalkeeper of the second in the Dutch championship. PSV is therefore qualified for the third preliminary round of the Champions League.
On the sidelines of his presentation, the Argentinian spoke on the club’s media to explain why he chose this challenge at 29 years old. “It’s a big club known worldwide, I know its history. It’s a very competitive club with the quality to win. I liked the ambition of the club and I have the feeling that I will be able to help the team.”
Launched by… Lucien Favre in 2016
On the side of the Gym, the club published a press release Monday evening to thank the Argentinian for this long and beautiful adventure, launched by Lucien Favre on December 21 in Bordeaux to sign a first clean sheet (0-0). There will be 51 others to make him the goalkeeper of the best defense in Ligue 1 last season.