Pedro Oliveira eyes Portugal return

Midfielder full of praise for new Benfica capture

Portuguese midfielder Pedro Oliveira says he is looking to bring an end to his time with Romanian league leaders CFR Cluj.

The 26-year-old was one of the first players from his homeland to make the switch to Cluj in 2006, since when the contingent of Portuguese at the club has risen to a total of nine.

However, the increased competition brought about by a huge outlay during the summer has seen Oliveira limited to just a few appearances this season, as the side stormed to the top of the Romanian league.

“It is my team, but I have not been contributing very much,” Oliveira told Maisfutebol. “I don’t feel valued. I cannot be happy when I’ve only played one or two games.

“When you are playing everything is fine. When things start going badly it’s like we’re another player. Those who are not playing also are not satisfied. Some players went from undisputed first-teamers to substitutes of the substitutes.”

Portugal return likely

As for his future plans, Oliveira admitted that he came close to leaving Romania for a return to Portugal, and believes that his employers will not block his path when another opportunity arises.

“There was a club, which I would prefer not to name, that showed great interest. I was enthusiastic but Cluj backed out. I had a good season last year and I have a good market value. I think Cluj won’t stand in my way now.”

Finally, his 18 months spent playing in Romanian football makes Oliveira – often a right-winger – the perfect man to asses new Benfica signing, left-back Laszlo Sepsi, who signed on at the Estadio da Luz from Gloria Bistrita earlier this week.

“He is a very consistent player. He is one of the best players of the Romanian under-21’s and is a contender to be at Euro 2008 with the senior side. He is very good defensively. He maybe does not have great physical power but the same could be said about Leo, who is also a great player.

“It is important to be patient and to give him opportunities. He is young but has great maturity. Benfica made a great signing. He is, at this moment, the second best full-back in Romania, after Cristian Pulhac of Dinamo.”


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