FORMER Tottenham star Adel Taarabt has revealed he lived an easier life at Benfica.
The Moroccan spent seven years with the Portuguese giants before leaving in 2022 and insisted that it was another level to the club he also played for.
The player was known for his flair during spells with QPR and Fulham.
Taarabt is often hailed as a “streets won’t forget” player in social media posts as fans still rave about his skillful displays in the Premier League.
But after struggling to settle at a club he eventually joined Benfica in 2015 and developed into a different type of player.
While in Portugal, the 33-year-old’s mentality changed and he dropped to a defensive midfielder and became a regular for the team
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Although he did have injury issues as well as a spell with the B team which meant that he had to wait almost four years to make his debut, he went on to make 79 league appearances.
But he was more than impressed with the mentality of the club as he changed his lifestyle while at the club.
He told French outlet 90football: “When I arrived at Benfica, I saw the 15-year-old boys, I was shocked! They are the first in the gym. After training, in the gym.
“The Portuguese have the best mentality.
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“I left London, arrived in Lisbon in a Ferrari.
“I arrived at the car park, do you know what cars I saw? Peugeot 307, 407… Do you know how they dressed?
“Adidas, Nike, sponsors. No Givenchy, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana.
“I sold the Ferrari, I bought a Mercedes Class A, what a life! Magnificent, simple life”
Taarabt also added that he believes Benfica is the best club that he played for, adding: “People would say to me: ‘You played for Milan, for Tottenham…’, but Benfica is another level.”
He left the club in September after his contract we terminated but would go on to join UAE Pro League side Al-Nasr SC later that month.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
