3 August 2007, by Paulo Carvalho

Benfica’s Canales loaned to Cluj

Chilean joins Portuguese contingent at Romanian club

Benfica striker, Nicolas Canales, will be loaned out to Romanian club, Cluj, for the upcoming season. The Chilean played on loan at Gondomar last season will now try his luck in Eastern Europe.

The 22-year-old, who is contracted to the Lisbon club until 2009, played 24 matches for Gondomar, scoring 8 times. Canales is looking forward to his new adventure and wants to make the most of the opportunity.

“The only thing that I know is that I am going to the land of Count Dracula,” joked Canales. “Up until now I have been teased by my friends and family. I will sleep with garlic by my side.”

“But seriously, they are a big club and it is an important passage in my career and not only because they will be in the Uefa Cup. I expect things to go well.”

Provided Canales passes his medical, he will become a member of the team with the largest contingent of Portuguese players outside Portugal.