30 May 2007, by Marco Pereira

Joao Tomas back at Braga

Striker to resume career with ambitious Arsenalistas

After tying down Joao Pinto, Wender, Ze Carlos and Vandinho on extended contracts and signing Cesar Peixoto and Philco, Sporting Braga will bring striker, Joao Tomas, back into the fold for next season.

The Portuguese international will leave the Middle East after a successful one-year spell at Al-Rayyan. Tomas was on loan to the Qatar club last season, scoring 16 goals in 26 games, and his impressive displays earned him a recall to the Portugal national team.

The player stated recently that he would not have minded staying another year in the Middle East [Tomas to stay in Qatar], but a phone call from coach, Jorge Costa, convinced the marksman to return home.

“Jorge Costa clearly told me what he wants for the club. His objectives are very ambitious and I completely agree with his ideas.”

“The aim is to throw us into the mix of the Big Three and I feel that there is nothing better, but to return to the Portuguese championship and help the club become one of the best teams in the Liga.”

“I will play at Sporting Braga next year, with the same conviction and contract with which I left. Last year negotiations took too long and I signed for Al-Rayyan. Now I will happily return to Braga.”

The Portuguese international said he has already transported all of his personal belongings back to Portugal.

Tomas is currently training with the national squad as they prepare for their Euro 2008 qualifier against Belgium on Saturday and friendly against Kuwait three days later.