Amidst transfer speculation linking him with a move to Al Ahly, Besiktas midfielder Rafa Silva has released a complete statement via his representation, OnSoccer, addressing his current situation with the Turkish club. The statement-issued in response to what it calls “false information” from Besiktas officials-details Silva’s dissatisfaction with the club’s direction and clarifies his position regarding potential departures during the winter transfer window. It also addresses reports of a strained relationship with team management and supporters, and outlines the conditions under which he would consider leaving Besiktas.
The agent for Besiktas midfielder Rafa Silva has released a statement addressing the player’s future amid reported interest from Al Ahly.
Al Ahly has reportedly expressed strong interest in the Portuguese midfielder, seeking to bolster their squad during the winter transfer window, potentially as a replacement for Ivory Coast international Kessié. Silva had reportedly stopped attending Besiktas training sessions, with reports suggesting he is unhappy under the current manager, Yalçın.
Silva’s representation, OnSoccer, has now issued a formal statement clarifying the situation and responding to claims made by Besiktas officials.
Here is the full statement from OnSoccer:
“Due to the dissemination of false information by Besiktas officials that undermines the honor and professionalism of player Rafa Silva and his representation agency (OnSoccer), we feel compelled to clarify the current situation:
1. It is true that Rafa Silva is dissatisfied with the current situation at Besiktas and, consequently, deeply disappointed with the expectations placed upon him regarding the project he agreed to join – competing for the national championship and achieving positive results in European competitions.
2. The instability within the club, administrative changes, and frequent managerial changes have exacerbated the player’s frustration. Despite his disappointment with the team’s performance, he has consistently maintained a professional attitude, evidenced by the strong support he has always received from the fans.
3. Rafa Silva’s decision to join Besiktas was his sole and exclusive choice. However, as is well known, he also considered offers from other Turkish clubs, as well as teams in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and several European countries. He had the opportunity to sign with stronger clubs, but he chose Besiktas because he believed in the club’s project and promises.
4. Unfortunately, the reality has not matched the project presented to the player. Things started well (winning the 2024 Super Cup), but deviations from the initial assumptions that led Rafa Silva to choose Besiktas soon emerged.
5. For Rafa, money was never the primary concern; if it had been, he would not have chosen Besiktas.
6. He is also disappointed by the comments made by President Serdal Adalı, who seemingly dismissed him, stating: “After João Mario left, Rafa didn’t talk to anyone and spent more time with his dog than with his teammates.”
7. Rafa appreciates all the support and gratitude he has received from the fans since the beginning, and that support continues to this day. Contrary to what was said in today’s press conference, he has never considered himself superior to anyone at Besiktas – or to the club itself – and has always treated the club with respect, in all circumstances: during training, camps, and matches. He has consistently demonstrated this attitude at all the clubs he has represented.
8. However, given the current situation, he felt unable to continue fulfilling his duties as he always has and informed the club (in October) of his intention to leave, requesting a mutually beneficial solution.
9. In a meeting attended by the club president and the sporting director, and myself as the player’s representative, Rafa expressed, in a moment of frustration, that he would rather end his career than prolong this situation. This was merely a fit of anger, and he immediately clarified during the meeting that he would continue his career.
10. Rafa values the fans’ immense support and has therefore committed to not representing any other club in Turkey besides Besiktas.
11. It must be made clear that in interviews conducted since then, neither Rafa Silva nor his agent has made any threats! This is entirely untrue and uncharacteristic of a professional athlete.
12. Rafa, who joined Besiktas as a free agent (without the club paying any transfer fee), has made it clear from the beginning that he would waive all his rights under his contract if the club agreed to his departure.
13. As the contract is still valid, Rafa and his agent acknowledge the obvious: terminating the contract requires the consent of both parties (Rafa and Besiktas). They are willing to do so in a manner that does not harm either party.
14. Besiktas, however, has indicated that they will not accept a €15 million fee for a 32-year-old player who arrived as a free agent and has one and a half years remaining on his contract.
15. In all my personal meetings with the club’s management (Mr. Tugkan Keticioglu or Mr. Ali Naibi), honesty and respect were paramount, and I observed understanding of the player’s position.
16. As a player’s agent, my duty is to find solutions that satisfy all parties, but primarily to protect the interests of my client, Rafa Silva, who is not only a client but also a long-time friend.
17. Unfortunately, in recent days, many narratives that do not reflect reality have been published, in an attempt to “force” Rafa Silva to take a public stance. Anyone who knows him knows he would never do that. Every means has been used to exhaust him, including commenting on his reluctance to speak, his lack of goal celebrations, and even, surprisingly, his lack of smiles. Meanwhile, it is easy to see the opposite in public images.
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