Carlitos delight at Swiss double

Former Benfica winger thriving at Basel

At the end of what has surely been his most successful season as a professional, FC Basel winger Carlitos has expressed his joy at winning a Swiss league and cup double.

The Portuguese’s first season at St. Jakob Park has seen Carlitos contribute 15 goals and a further nine assists in 46 appearances in all competitions, playing a crucial role in helping Christian Gross’ side become national champions for the 12th time.

“It was not easy to win the Swiss championship, but it tasted better because it happened in the last game,” Carlitos said, referring to the 2-0 final day victory over Young Boys Bern, whom they had been vying with for first place for much of the season.

Nevertheless, the former Benfica man denies that the trophies are more significant than previous triumphs in Portugal. “But it does not mean more than the other titles, because they all represent the conquering of an objective,” he said.

Spectacular goal

On his season highlight, Carlitos remembered: “One of the most spectacular goals was the free-kick I scored against Brann, in a match we won 1-0, in the group phase of the Uefa Cup, which contributed to Basel’s qualification.”

Carlitos’ form in Switzerland, where he played for one season with Sion before moving to Basel in a controversial move last summer, has seen the 25-year-old linked with a switch to some of the continents’ more recognised leagues.

“I have a contract until 2010 and I will fulfil it, unless an attractive offer comes in. Playing in the Champions League (Basel qualified for the final preliminary round) is always seductive, because we have the opportunity to come face to face with the best teams in Europe.”

Carlitos finished by admitting that he would “like to play for the national team, although the competition is very strong,” but if the Lisbon native continues his recent progression, it could become difficult for Portugal to ignore the free scoring wideman in the future.