Benfica, being an undisputed starter from the beginning and helping the club to the Primeira Liga in 1988–89 while scoring more than ten overall goals in his first stint; also that season, he partnered compatriot Ricardo Gomes in the heart of the defence.

[4] He faced his former side in the campaign's European Cup semifinals, a 2–2 controversial aggregate exit – again, he rarely missed a game, and helped L'OM to three consecutive Ligue 1 conquests.

[6] After missing the 1986 FIFA World Cup through injury, he was picked for the 1990 edition in Italy; he was booked in the first two group stage matches (both wins), and did not appear in the round of 16 against Argentina, a 1–0 elimination.

On 24 October 2006, he signed a two-year contract with Angolan club G.D. Interclube,[9] leading them to the 2007 Girabola title[10][11] but being dismissed from his post in April 2008 after a 3–0 away defeat against Zamalek SC in the second round of the CAF Champions League.

In December 2010 he returned to Portugal, becoming Associação Naval 1º de Maio's third coach in only 14 matches,[14] with the Figueira da Foz team eventually ranking last in the league; in early November 2011 he was appointed at the other side that had suffered top-level relegation, Portimonense SC.