Fernandes delighted by Sporting move
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
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Swiss international midfielder Gelson Fernandes said he will "give my life and my heart for this club" after joining Sporting Clube de Portugal on a four-year contract.
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Sporting Clube de Portugal have strengthened their midfield ahead of next season's UEFA Europa League with the signing of Gelson Fernandes on a four-year deal.
Fernandes moves to the Portuguese Liga from Ligue 1 outfit AS Saint-Étienne, though he spent the latter half of last season on loan at Udinese Calcio in Italy. "I will give my life and my heart for this club," said the 25-year-old Swiss international. "I tried everything to become a Sporting player. I was born in Cape Verde and my dream was to represent this club. I don't want to talk about goals for the season as I only promise work in order to have a great season."
Fourth in the Portuguese top flight last term and beaten by A. Académica de Coimbra in the Portuguese Cup final, Ricardo Sá Pinto's men, who reached last season's UEFA Europa League semi-finals, start their 2012/13 campaign in the play-offs.