Rodriguez delighted with Benfica link

Universidad de Chile’s Matias Rodriguez is happy to be linked with Benfica, with the 25-year-old expected to join the Liga Sagres club soon.

The Argentine defender, who can also play in midfield, is reportedly on the verge of leaving the Copa Sudamericana champions in a deal worth around 1.6 million euros, and would join a host of other South Americans at the Lisbon-based side.

“I am aware of the possibility of moving to Portugal,” Rodriguez told O Jogo Luso.

“If Benfica come in for me, it would be impossible to say no. The deal is not done yet but of course I would love to play for Benfica.”

“I have no doubt that Benfica are very large, the biggest club in Portugal. They have a team who always play to win every title and that is a great achievement.”

If Matias Rodriguez does leave it will be a further blow to Universidad, who have lost Eduardo Vargas, Gabriel Vargas and Jose Rojas in recent weeks as they prepare for the 2012 Copa Libertadores campaign.