Estrela da Amadora pull off Jose Vidigal coup

“When I told him his salary he laughed for 3 minutes!”

Estrela da Amadora have agreed terms with and signed midfielder Jose Luis Vidigal on a two-year deal. The former Portuguese international returns to Portugal after having spent the last eight seasons in Italy with Livorno, Udinese and Napoli.

The 35-year-old wanted to end his career in Portugal and has chosen the modest Amadora team as his final destination. Club president, Antonio Oliveira, could not have been more pleased with Vidigal’s decision, especially when he discovered how much the player was getting paid back in Italy.

“Vidigal has not come here to swap salaries, but to end his career here. When I told him his salary, he was laughing for three straight minutes. I had to beg his pardon. Amadora are not about to enter into any madness,” said Oliveira.

The former Sporting player explained his reasons for returning to Portugal instead of remaining in Italy where he could have made three or four times the amount he is to receive with the Tricolores.

Pondered decision

“At times you have to stop and think. This return was prepared with time and intelligence as I spoke with colleagues who have gone through the same thing,” stated Vidigal.

“I do not believe that it would have been fair to end my career abroad and I feel proud for the recognition that I still have in Portugal.”

The combative midfielder was also taken aback by the length of the contract offer, as it is not usual for players of his age to receive a 2-year deal. Vidigal will re-unite with his brother Lito at Amadora as his older sibling was appointed as the club’s head coach this past summer.

Before moving to Italy Vidigal was an integral part of the 1999/2000 Sporting championship winning team and remains highly regarded by fans of the Lisbon club. That title was the first time in 17 years Sporting had won the Portuguese league.