Benfica bring back Carlos Martins

Former Sporting midfielder signs 5-year deal for city rivals

Benfica have made a major signing by bringing midfielder Carlos Martins back to Portugal from Recreativo da Huelva.

The deal has been long in the making and Martins was today finally presented to the public as Benfica’s newest addition.

The former Sporting player cost the Lisbon giants a paltry 3 million euros and has signed a five-year deal with the club with a buyout clause of 20 million euros. Due to the deal that was established between Huelva and Sporting, Benfica’s rivals are to receive 40% of that fee.

Martins could not be happier at making the jump to Benfica and is grateful to the club for showing so much confidence in bringing him to the Luz. “I feel wanted by Benfica as they believe in me. I had an important year (at Huelva) as I played at a high level and because of it I am more mature. I expect to win titles at Benfica,” declared Martins.

The player added that the fact he has switched allegiances in Portugal, after having been groomed in Sporting’s academies, did not affect his decision to make the move to Benifca.

“I am now a Benfica player and I will do everything for the team. What’s important is that I am here. Everyone knows that Sporting was the club where I was brought up. They were part of a cycle which ended. Now I will be starting anew and I expect to be happy and win titles.”

Costa seal of approval

Benfica’s director of football, Rui Costa, revealed he has always liked Martins’ playing style and sees him as his successor on the field. “Carlos is a player I have always liked. For all the characteristics that he possesses, I think he can succeed me in Portugal,” said the former Benfica no. 10.

“I was very happy when Quique also approved the idea of signing him, and from that moment, we started to talk. Things went very well. Carlos showed interest that he wanted to be here right from the very beginning. This is important because what we want are players who want to play for Benfica.”

The Portuguese club will be hoping Martins will show the form that brought him six goals in 32 appearances last season at Recreativo, even leading to a recall to the national team.

In other news, Martins’ former team-mate at Recreativo, Florent Sinama-Pongolle, now appears unlikely to join Benfica. The Frenchman’s attention has been swayed by Atletico Madrid and the striker is expected to move to the Vicente Calderon instead.