Atlético Mineiro forward Jô admits he regrets a failed move to Benfica in 2011.
After a disappointed spell with Manchester City, which included loan spells at Everton and Galatasaray, the forward returned to Brazil, signing for Internacional.
The move didn’t work out. He netted just two goals in 18 appearances.
Jô claims there was an opportunity to join Benfica. In hindsight, he wishes he’d moved to Portugal.
"Maybe the only mistake was going to Inter, he told FIFA.com. Not because it didn’t work out, but because when I left [Manchester] City, I was really close to signing for Benfica. But perhaps it was meant to be."
I left Inter and ended up at Atlético, where I overcame my problems. Who knows if it would have worked out so well at Benfica?"
Jô has found form since signing for Atlético Mineiro in May 2012. He was instrumental as they won the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Mineiro this season. He has also returned to the Brazilian national team.
Jô initially moved to Europe in 2005, leaving Corinthians for CSKA. He admits the move was financially motivated.
"Lots of people criticised me when I left Corinthians, saying I was too young for a move like that," he continued. "At the time, being honest, I was thinking about the money. I was able to make my family more comfortable, and at CSKA I played well, making a name for myself in Europe."
