Benfica land Luisão
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Article summary
Brazilian international defender Luisão has joined Portugal's SL Benfica on a six-year contract.
Article body
Shared ownership
The Lisbon club have paid €2.3m for the 22-year-old in a deal which will see them share the player's ownership with his agent. This means Benfica will take 50 per cent of any future transfer fee should the player join another club.
'Perfect opportunity'
"I'm very happy with this transfer," said Luisão, who was due to sign his contract after a medical today. "Playing at such a big club like Benfica is really an honour and this is the perfect opportunity to play in Europe which is something I always dreamt about.
Brazilian link
"I know Benfica have a few Brazilians. My friend Geovanni is there. I hope I can adapt fast." Luisão is a tall, powerful defender who made his senior Brazil debut in the friendly against Portugal in March.
Ricardo Gomes praise
Ricardo Gomes, his former coach with Brazil's Under-23 side and a Benfica old boy, said: "Benfica made the right move. In the near future, he may very well become one of the best centre-backs in the world. He's quick and strong, marks very well and is superb in the air."
