Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni has spoken out for the first time since being provisionally banned by UEFA following Vinícius Júnior's accusations of racial abuse during their Champions League playoff on Feb. 17. The 20-year-old Argentine winger expressed disappointment at being punished 'without proof' for something he insists he never said.

Prestianni, who missed the second leg against Real Madrid as a result of the ban, told Argentine outlet Telefe that the accusation was 'something I didn't say.' While UEFA's investigation continues, Benfica condemned what they called a 'smear campaign' against the young player. The Portuguese club and his teammates have publicly supported him throughout the controversy.

The incident occurred during Benfica's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid, which saw the Spanish giants progress 3-1 on aggregate. Prestianni emphasized that both Benfica and coach José Mourinho believed in his innocence and provided support behind closed doors. The winger, who made his Argentina debut in November, is now focused on finishing the season strongly with Benfica to improve his chances of making Lionel Scaloni's World Cup squad.