Topics: Portugal, Raul Jimenez, Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Primeira Liga
The mexican striker played one season with Atletico Madrid but performed under expectations. It is reported that Benfica paid €1m for the signing.

Last year Raul Jimenez joined the reigning La Liga champions, Atletico Madrid, and this Thursday the same player signed a five-year deal with Benfica, the champion of the Primeira Liga. Jimenez had been in the radar of West Ham but it was Benfica who made the final move and convinced Raul to join Rui Vitoria's team.

Having to compete against Mario Mandzukic and Antoinne Griezman did not give a chance for Jimenez to start in any La Liga games last season. He also did not participate with his team in the games of this pre-season. The 24-year-old was raised as a player with Club America in Mexico, before his year-long journey in Spain.

The doubts about Jimenez' future are over for now

He was only able to score one goal in 21 games that season and was only considered to play in one Champions League game. Just last August, Jimenez had scored four goals in four games with Club America in the beginning of the Liga MX. 

While West Ham had apparently already sealed the deal with Jimenez, the reports claim that he overslept and missed his flight to England on his way to do his medical with the Premier League club. The Mexican striker was apparently going to receive €2m over there instead of what he will apparently receive in Portugal (€1m).

Jimenez feels he has a new chance of shinning in Europe with Benfica

The 24-year-old player knows that with Atletico the chances to shine were rare. He is optimistic about his future in Portugal even if he can't dominate the language. He should have at least until 2020 to figure that out. 

"A new stage in my career. Very happy to be a part of this team," Jimenez said as he joined Benfica