14 August 2007, by Sean Gillen

Varela and Martins enjoy promising start at Recreativo

Former Sporting duo settle quickly at Spanish club

Portuguese duo Silvestre Varela and Carlos Martins are enjoying a good start at Spanish side Recreativo Huelva, following their summer moves from Sporting.

Midfielder Martins, who signed a four-year deal, and forward Varela, who joined on a year’s loan, both arrived at the Nuevo Colombino during the close season.

Varela in particular has caught the eye during the team’s preparations for the new campaign, with the 22-year-old Recre’s top goalscorer during in the team’s various friendly matches.

“I am adapting very quickly,” Varela said. “It’s the first time I have left Portugal and I have been very made welcome by my team-mates.”

“I am happy to have scored my first goals, but I do not consider myself a goalscorer. The important things is to help the team, since there are other players who will certainly score more goals.”

Meanwhile, Martins is happy with his early impressions of the club and says he hopes to force his way back into Luiz Felipe Scolari’s international squad.

“I like the philosophy, because it is to pass the ball. That is good for me and everyone else, because in football it is important to entertain,” he said.

“I hope to do well. I want to succeed in Spain, to thank Recreativo for taking a chance on me and to return to the Portuguese national team.”