18 July 2007, by Marco Pereira

Cardozo promises hard work and goals

Mantorras welcomes competition of Paraguayan striker

Benfica’s second most expensive purchase in the club’s history, Oscar Cardozo, has arrived in Lisbon and reported for his first training session in Seixal.

The Paraguayan striker is coming off a short holiday break after representing Paraguay at the Copa America and is eager to get his career started with Benfica.

“I will present myself alongside my new team-mates and work very hard. The fans are expecting a lot from me and I will do everything not to let them down,” said Cardozo.

“I feel that I can score a lot of goals. I will work towards that. In Argentina I scored a lot of goals, now I want to help Benfica.”

Meanwhile, popular Angolan striker Mantorras is not overly concerned with the club’s recent signings of Cardozo and Bergessio, and feels that competition for places up front will be good for him and for the team.

“At such a big club the competition has to be strong. I am not concerned. They are strikers like I am and they are here to serve Benfica. Cardozo is a great player. You all saw him in the Copa America, putting in great displays for his country.”

“All players want to play and I’m no different, but we must respect the coach’s options. This year will not be Mantorras’ year – it will be everyone’s at Benfica!”

Another player who has reported to training camp is German goalkeeper, Hans-Jorg Butt.

The former Bayer Leverkusen player has filled the vacancy left by Moretto and is looking forward to his adventure with the Portuguese club after signing a two-year deal with an option for a third.

The German international arrives on a free transfer and will fight for the starting goalkeeping position alongside Moreira and Quim.


Related: Mantorras PortuGOAL profile
Related: Radiant Cardozo excited at Benfica move