New Al Ahli Club forward Lima has admitted money partly motivated him to leave Benfica.
The 32 year-old completed his switch to the United Arab Emirates for a reported fee of €7 million earlier this month and is expected to earn around €3 million a year on his two year agreement that runs until June 2017.
Speaking to Benfica’s official channel, Lima noted that it was a tough decision to move on from the Portuguese club, but he also conceded that he couldn’t turn down the wages offered to him.
“I feel awkward at having to say goodbye,” he said, as reported by The National. “I have a certain sadness, because I experienced great times at Benfica – but that’s life.
“This proposal appeared and it happened super fast. I think most fans will understand – the financial side carried a heavy weight. I will not be a hypocrite: I’m 32 – no boy – and with it being a short career I had to take it.
“Also, Dubai is a good place to live. I will be professional and dedicate myself as I dedicated myself at Benfica.”
Lima joined Benfica from Braga for a reported fee of €4 million in August 2012. His record with the latter was 40 goals in 90 appearances and he continued that ratio with Benfica, scoring 70 times in 144 matches. He was also part of a side that won six major honours, including the 2014-15 Primeira Liga title.
At Al Ahli, he will play alongside fellow Brazilians Everton Ribeiro and Ciel, who along with Oussama Assaidi and Kwon Kyung-won, are the foreign players currently in manager Cosmin Olăroiu’s squad.
