Martins wends his way to Benfica
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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SL Benfica have signed Portuguese international midfielder Carlos Martins on a five-season contract after paying RC Recreativo de Huelva €3m for his services.
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Spanish sojourn
The 26-year-old, capped three times by his country, moves to Benfica after catching the eye in his first season in Spain's Primera División with Recreativo. Martins scored six goals in 32 games to help steer Recre away from relegation trouble. The midfielder is, however, a product of Benfica's arch-rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal, having come through their academy to make 76 Liga appearances for the green-and-white side of Lisbon. Martins also spent time on loan at SC Campomaiorense and A. Académica de Coimbra. Benfica begin their UEFA Cup campaign in the first round.