Edcarlos thrilled to join Benfica

SL Benfica have signed Brazilian Under-21 international defender Edcarlos from São Paulo FC for €1.8m as they aim for a UEFA Champions League place.

Brazilian connection
The centre-back has agreed a four-year contract at the Estádio da Luz where he will link up with compatriots Luisão and David Luiz. "I am delighted to be a Benfica player," said the 22-year-old. "They are a great European club and usually play in the UEFA Champions League. Everybody wants to play for such a club. This is my first European experience but I am sure I'll settle quickly, not just because of the language but because fellow Brazilians like Luisão and David Luiz are around to help." José Antonio Camacho's side lead 2-1 from the first leg of their third qualifying round assignment against FC København, with the tie concluding in Denmark tonight.