Rui Costa reacted via a social media statement to the death of Emilio Andrade Júnior, the number one partner of the Eagles. Ti Emilio, as he was known, died on Tuesday at the age of 101, and before the Pacos de Ferreira he will be honored with a minute of silence before the start of the match.
“Today is a sad day for Sport Lisbon and Benfica with the departure of our number 1 partner Emilio Andrade Junior. He has always been an example of great selflessness and devotion to the Glorious. Beloved by all, with great sympathy, a huge heart. I had the honor of witnessing all this passion of our T Emilio, how affectionately he was treated by his friends and everyone who liked him. Always available to the club, he was a source of inspiration and example for our athletes and for all Benfica fans, never forgetting his brotherly relationship with the great Eusébio. On behalf of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, I express my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
The funeral is scheduled for September 1, and the commemoration will take place at 9:30 am in the church of Nossa Señora de Fatima on Avenida de Berna. Mass will be held at 12 noon, followed by a procession to the Cemitério de Caneças, where Emilio Andrade Junior will be buried in the family vault.
