Benfica complete Javier Balboa capture

Real Madrid winger happy to sign for “best club in Portugal”

Javier Angel Balboa has officially made his move from Real Madrid to Benfica, signing a four-year contract with the Portuguese giants. Balboa, who is seen as Cristian Rodriguez’s direct replacement, wasted little time in putting pen to paper, with Benfica paying 4m euros for his services.

The 23-year-old forward could hardly contain his delight at the move. “It was easy to reach an agreement. I was convinced to come here. I spoke to Rui Costa and I wanted to come.

“Two other factors also helped; gaining Quique’s confidence and also I will continue to be playing at an important club at European level - the best in Portugal.”

Balboa, whose nickname is Rocky, sought insider information from former Benfica idol and now Atletico Madrid player Simao Sabrosa. “I am familiar with Benfica’s history. I spoke to some colleagues at Atletico and Simao told me marvellous things of the club, and the city. I want to be a champion,” added the Equatorial Guinea international.

Benfica’s director of football, Rui Costa, is also happy with the addition of Balboa and briefly commented on Rodriguez’s controversial switch from the Eagles to rivals FC Porto.

Rodriguez negotiations “not normal”

“During the negotiation process, which took five months, there was something behind it which was not visible. It is not normal for a negotiation to last five months and it was not a question of money. But I just want to speak about our players and not players from other clubs.”

Staying on the transfer front, Benfica have been linked with Real Zaragoza’s midfielder Pablo Aimar and the signing would be a major coup for the Lisbon outfit.

Panathinaikos are doing everything they can to take Aimar to Greece, but Benfica may have the edge as Flores used to coach the Argentine playmaker when the two were at Valencia.

“We have an offer from Benfica, as well as others, but the only thing I can add at this moment is that Panathinaikos are ahead in the running. They have presented the strongest proposal,” said Zaragoza spokesman, Manuel Guillen.

Besides Panathinaikos, Newcastle have also been mentioned as possible suitors and it is believed that Aimar looks favourably upon a move to the Premier League, but linking up with his former boss just may be the ace up Benfica’s sleeve.