In the aftermath of the draw between Manchester City and Arsenal (1-1), Ruben Dias did not hide his emotional connection to the club where he grew up when questioned about José Mourinho's return to Benfica.
"Obviously it's my club of the heart, since I was a kid and always, and as is obvious, I wish the greatest luck to both, to my Benfica and to Mr. José Mourinho. I hope they are happy together," emphasized the Portuguese international center-back in statements to DAZN.
Regarding the game against Arsenal, which was decided already in added time, the City player showed himself frustrated but highlighted the collective attitude of the team: "A game that was obviously very difficult, in which it highlights the fighting spirit we had, the way we fought for every duel, everyone was connected, we were all playing as one. In the final minutes, perhaps when we most felt we were solid and they couldn't create many chances, they ended up scoring a goal. It's part of football, that's just how it is, but we left with our heads held high and the feeling that we're progressing on the right path."
Regarding the changes that have marked City's squad recently, Ruben Dias showed composure and highlighted team spirit as an essential pillar for success: "I see it as a natural process in which there needs to be adaptation, there needs to be that identification of each person who joins the small or big details that make us win. This fighting spirit, this spirit of mutual help, the feeling that we are there for the colleague beside us, this is what made us win and this is what, as a consequence, also makes us play as well as we can play."