31 May 2007, by Sean Gillen

Manchester United raid Portugal for star duo

Anderson and Nani join Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford

Manchester United have completed a shock double swoop for two of the Portuguese league’s brightest talents, after agreeing deals for FC Porto’s Brazilian teenager Anderson and Sporting winger Nani.

While the English club’s pursuit of Nani has been well documented in both the Portuguese and British press, the capture of 19-year-old Anderson from champions Porto comes as a major surprise.

A statement on ManUtd.com on Wednesday evening read:

“Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms in principle with FC Porto and Sporting for the purchase of the registrations of Anderson and Nani.

“Personal terms have been agreed and a formal announcement will take place once the necessary administrative procedures, including a medical, have been completed.”

United director David Gill and Portuguese assistant manager Carlos Queiroz were both in Lisbon on Wednesday to meet a delegation from Sporting for Nani, after securing a deal with Porto representatives for the former Gremio youngster.

Jorge Mendes, who is the agent of current United star Cristiano Ronaldo, represents both players, and was present during all negotiations. Early press reports have suggested that both deals are structured, and each could rise to as much as 25 million euros.

English paper The Sun quotes Anderson as saying he is thrilled at the opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford, where the pair could form a promising attacking trio with England striker Wayne Rooney.

“Dream the size of the world”

“I cannot wait to play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a great player, as well as Wayne Rooney and many more,” he said.

“I could not imagine I would ever get to work with a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson but it has happened. What can I say? It is a dream the size of the world.”

“Gremio was my first club and then I moved to Porto. Both teams have a great place in my heart, for which I have the biggest affection. They were very important in my life and professional growth.”

“But ever since I was a boy, I always wanted to play for Manchester United and now that dream has come true. I am very happy. When I arrive in Manchester I will carry on working just as hard as I have at Porto, if not even more.”

“I want to make my dreams a reality and I am prepared to do anything to realise them. There is so much motivation for me there.”

Related: Anderson PortuGOAL profile
Related: Nani PortuGOAL profile
Related: Nani video clips