Adel Taarabt Reflects on Culture Shock at Benfica: From Ferrari to Fitness Focus

Adel Taarabt joined Benfica’s squad in 2015 from Tottenham. In Portugal, he was impressed by the club’s mentality. "When I arrived at Benfica, I saw the 15-year-olds, I was shocked! They were the first ones at the gym. After training, at the gym," he recounts in an interview with the media 90football.

Adel was completely surprised by the daily habits. "I left London and arrived in Lisbon in a Ferrari. I arrived in the parking lot, do you know what cars I saw? Peugeot 307, 407... Do you know how they were dressed? Adidas, Nike, sponsors. No Givenchy, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana," he continues.

Quickly, these habits transformed him into a different type of player. "I sold the Ferrari, I bought a Mercedes Class A, what a life! A beautiful and simple life." For the Moroccan international, Benfica is the best club he has played for. "People told me: ’You played at Milan, at Tottenham...’, but Benfica, that’s another level," he added.

After parting ways amicably with Benfica, he joined Al-Nasr SC, a club in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.