4 July 2007

Guimaraes strengthen squad with duo

Joao Alves and Felipe pen three-year deals for northerners

Vitoria Guimaraes president, Emilio Macedo, was delighted to unveil their two most recent signings, Joao Alves (pictured) and Felipe, admitting that the process of landing Sporting’s Joao Alves was no simple feat.

“It was not easy guaranteeing Joao Alves. There was an immense struggle between Vitoria and Sporting Braga, but the player’s will prevailed and he has signed for us for three years,” said Macedo.

The former Sporting player is happy to finally have the transfer concluded and looks forward to kick-starting his career again and reclaiming his status as of the Liga’s premier players.

“I will give everything to Vitoria because the club’s magnitude has impressed me. The conviction the directors showed swayed my decision greatly. I expect to get my confidence back and enjoy playing again. I am coming with the ambition to play more regularly,” said the former Braga player.

As for Felipe, the 27-year-old Brazilian striker comes highly regarded and the club expect big things from him. The player has also signed a three-year deal and is extremely pleased with the move.

“I’m very happy and I know the club have a strong following who make their presence felt in every game. I expect to respond to that with goals.”

“This is a dream come true. I have come to a big club in Europe and expect to have the same success here as I did in Brazil. This is a club that always fights for first place and I have come to win titles. I expect to have a good season.”

The club is not done yet with their summer transfers as Macedo confessed that he is still looking for a central defender and two more forwards.

Rumours have it that Guimaraes are looking to land Vasco Fernandes in the stopper’s role and as for the attack, FC Porto’s Maciel and Alan are being linked with possible moves to the club.