Aimar talks up Benfica stay

Argentine midfielder Pablo Aimar has rejected speculations linking him with a January exit from Estadio da Luz.

Aimar, 33, has just over six months left on his deal with Benfica and was heavily linked with a return to River Plate.

However, the highly rated playmaker says that he is ready to stay at Estadio da Luz until the end of the season, or maybe even longer.

“The idea is to stay until June or maybe even longer, as the club plans,” the veteran midfielder told Radio Marado. “They have always treated me phenomenally at Benfica and they want me to (stay).”

Aimar joined Benfica from Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2008 and immediately developed into a key member of the squad at Estadio da Luz.

He has since made 98 Primeira Liga appearances for the Eagles, scoring 12 goals in the process.

Aimar has missed the start of this season through injury and has only made four substitute appearances in the league, but is, nonetheless, still considered an important member of the squad and will be offered a new deal.