France international Sebastien Corchia has revealed that he is looking forward to a successful spell with Benfica.
The right-back moved to Lisbon from Sevilla in the summer on a one-year loan deal and is eager to make his spell in Portugal as successful as possible.
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His first campaign in Spain was ended prematurely by injury just as he was beginning to find his best form under Vincenzo Montella, meaning he missed out on the World Cup, and he sees Benfica as a platform to get back into the spotlight.
“Benfica is a club with big ambitions - and I have big ambitions,” he told Goal. “It is a top club, and I have come here to give everything for the club with the mission to win titles. It is an honour and a pride to wear the jersey of the biggest and most successful club in Portugal - and a club with a superb history in Europe as well.
“I want to win titles and do great in Europe - and Benfica is the perfect club for that. Winning is a part of the club’s DNA, and I felt that from the first moment.
“Lisbon is a beautiful city - and Portugal a beautiful county. I am looking forward to living here with my family.”
Capped once for France in a friendly, it is Corchia’s goal to return to the world champions’ squad, but he has not closed the door to Italy either.
“I also see Benfica as a way back into the French team, or, who knows, maybe the Italian team, since I am half Italian and half French,” he said. “I was proud to be captain for France U21 years ago, but I won’t rule out anything. Actually, it is an advantage to have dual citizenship, because the fact that I now speak French, Italian and Spanish will help me to adapt very quickly to Portuguese as well.”
He also revealed his frustration about suffering a knee injury that will delay his debut for his new side.
“I can’t believe how unlucky I am right now. I have arrived 100 percent fit and with a huge appetite to play for my new club, and then I was so unfortunate with my knee. I am frustrated and sad because I want to help the team. But I will turn my emotions into extra energy, and I will work hard to get back very soon. The doctors say about four weeks, and I can’t wait to play for this great club.
“It is really not typical for me. Last season I was also injured in Sevilla and missed half of the season, but I have never been injured like this before in my entire career. Normally I play every game. The season before I played all 38 matches for Lille in Ligue 1 - so now I just want to get back to full power and show everybody, that I can help this great club.”
Benfica are currently competing in the Champions League playoffs, with their hopes of qualification to the group stages hanging in the balance after a 1-1 draw at home with PAOK on Tuesday.