5 January 2006, by Tom Kundert

Maniche teams up with Mourinho

Six-month loan deal struck

Chelsea yesterday completed the signing of Portugal midfielder Maniche, on a six-month loan contract from Russian club Dynamo Moscow.

It is the third time Maniche has played under José Mourinho.

He did so at Benfica, where Mourinho made him captain, and at Porto, where the two played key roles in a golden two-year spell that saw Porto sweep all before them at home and abroad.

The 28-year-old will also team up again with Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira who were part of the same team.

Maniche’s move to Moscow proved a failure for player and club, although he has maintained high performance levels for Portugal’s national team.

Maniche has said he is relishing the chance to work with Mourinho again, and will be seeking to win more silverware this season, including a shot at picking up his second Champions League winner’s medal.