Bueno worth weight in gold to Rainbows

Brazilian striker Daniel Bueno has scored 18 of Tarxien Rainbows FC's 22 Permier League goals this season, and told uefa.com he would consider staying with the Maltese club if they can escape the drop.

Impressive record
The 25-year-old former CA Sorocaba, Omiya Ardija and São Caetano FC player joined promoted Tarxien at the start of the season. Seeking "regular first-team football" after a frustrating spell in the Czech Republic with SK Sigma Olomouc, Bueno has struck fear into the hearts of Maltese defences and may yet spare his side relegation.

Weekend double
Bueno scored twice at the weekend as his side won 2-1 against Qormi FC in the relegation play-offs to temporarily move Tarxien out of the danger zone. "It is my duty as a striker to score goals and, thank God, it's going well, with the help of my team-mates," he said. "I didn't expect to score so many: things are going much better than expected.

'New chapter'
"We have a good squad, especially with the players signed in the January window," he added. "Our only thoughts are on winning our remaining matches. I believe we will hang on. This would be a new chapter in the history of this club. In the past, Tarxien have always been relegated after just one year in the top division."

Hanging on
Should Tarxien cling on, there is no doubt that Bueno will be one of the reasons why, and his goalscoring record has not gone unnoticed by other clubs on the island, and a few from overseas. However, he said: "At the moment I'm very happy with Tarxien and if we retain our status I would consider staying with this club for another term.

Momentous decision
"I have had offers to go back to Brazil but I would like to stay in Europe," he added. "In December I had an offer to go to another country in Europe but after discussions with my manager and Tarxien Rainbows president Tony Cassar, I decided to stay and help the club retain their Premier League status, and also honour my contract."

Italian dream
That decision may prove crucial should Tarxien avoid relegation, but Bueno admitted that, while he is enjoying his time on the Island, he does have ambitions beyond Malta. "I keep working hard to score goals, but my main objective is to play in a bigger country in Europe, especially in Italy," he said.