News Focus
- Marco Silva announces exit from Fulham after five-year tenure
- Portuguese manager close to finalising deal with Portuguese giants Benfica
- Contract expires end of June; rejected new three-year offer from London club
- Leaves with club established as Premier League mainstays
- Succeeded in securing promotion from Championship in 2021
Marco Silva has officially announced his departure from Fulham. The 48-year-old will leave the west London side when his contract expires at the end of June. He is now poised to return to his homeland to manage Benfica.
The Portuguese coach spent five years at Craven Cottage. He joined the club in 2021 when they were competing in the Championship. During his first season, he guided them back to the Premier League. He then kept them in the top flight for three consecutive campaigns.
This season, Fulham finished in 11th position. They secured this standing with a victory against Newcastle United on the final day. Under Silva’s leadership, the team also achieved 10th and 13th-place finishes in previous years.
Despite being offered a new three-year contract, Silva has chosen to move on. He released an emotional statement to supporters. “After five years, our journey together comes to an end,” he wrote. “You supported us from day one. We achieved a lot together. Fulham will always be in my heart.”
Club owner Shahid Khan praised Silva’s contribution. He admitted that change is unavoidable in football. Khan stated that Fulham remains an attractive destination for managers. He promised supporters that the search for a new head coach is underway.
Silva is expected to replace José Mourinho at Benfica. Mourinho recently left the Lisbon club to become the new manager of Real Madrid. Sources suggest that negotiations between Silva and Benfica are in advanced stages. An official announcement could come soon.