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Monday, 27 June 2011 11:07

Nuno Gomes says thanks but no thanks to Mexican millions

Braga move on the cards as striker aims for Euro 2012

Nuno GomesNuno Gomes is one step closer to signing for Braga after officially rejecting a big-money offer from Mexican side Puebla FC.
 
The letter Gomes sent to representatives trying to broker the deal for Puebla was reproduced in the Portuguese press. Click here to see Gomes’ letter explaining his reasons for not accepting the move to the other side of the Atlantic (in Portuguese).
 
Tellingly, Gomes says his decision to turn down the offer is due to the fact he would like to remain in Europe in order to try and get into Portugal’s squad for next summer’s European Championships. A switch to Braga, where he can be easily and frequently observed by Portugal coach Paulo Bento, would appear to heighten his possibilities of returning to the national team.
 
It was at Euro 2000 that Gomes first shot to fame, scoring four goals as the Seleccao reached the semi-finals before falling to eventual winners, France. Gomes, who turns 35 tomorrow week, has played 77 times for his country, scoring 29 goals.
 
The striker has been in negotiations with Braga for several days and the deal is expected to be completed this week.
 
by Tom Kundert
 
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Comments (14)
I agree Karl
14 Friday, 01 July 2011 11:24
he should apologize for that incident in 2005. Pizzi is a big talent. I think we should sell paulo cesar (he wants to leave anyway) and keep pizzi.
Nuno Gomes
13 Friday, 01 July 2011 09:12
As long as he apologises for what he did in 2005 the fans will be 100% behind him. I think there a huge twist in his decision. Firstly he wants to prove to Benfica that he is not ready to retire and to show he he still has a lot of football and goals in his legs. Secondly its kinda sticking his two fingers up at Benfica going to a team that recently is classed as a rival rather than a small team. I think he's a fantastic player to come off the bench and lift the team when they need it most. He's also an inspiration to many players and it will benefit the younger players a lot and they will learn a lot from him. It will also bring some needed experience in the dressing room. The fact that he's Portuguese is also a huge plus if Braga have a n even half decent run in the Europa League. I think he's the kinda player that will push Lima who seemed bored in the secodn half of last season and it will make him work extremmely hard to keep his place in the starting 11. There are so many positives of bringing a player the calibre of Nuno Gomes to a club like Braga. I'm very happy that he is here...

The Pizzi deal seems to have hid the skids and it looks like he could be staying for now... But its way too early to be certain. It's waht most people are saying..
@ Ramsey
12 Tuesday, 28 June 2011 11:52
Pizzi will likely be sold to Zenit Petersburg for 16 million. Braga have plenty of options on the wing; Paulo Cesar, Alan, Ukra, Barbosa, Yazalde.
good decision
11 Tuesday, 28 June 2011 05:50
I like that he's decided to stay in Portugal. I regret that I only became interested in the Seleccao towards the end of his career. He was an important figure for Portugal though, and I can tell that he was one of the most respected strikers that Portugal has ever had. The way people talk about him, he seems to be everyone's favorite.

I do remember the goal he scored against Germany right before the half to bring us back from 2-0 down. We lost that game anyway, but it was a really crucial goal and one that I'll remember for some time.

If Nuno Gomes can keep up his fitness, he could prove useful to a team like Braga. I do wonder where they will go from here. After the last two remarkable seasons, it almost seems as is there is no where else to go but back down where they came from. Still, if they keep bringing in new players and work hard with their new coach, they may have a chance again next season too.
Forca Braga! Forca Nuno Gomes!
Pizzi??
10 Tuesday, 28 June 2011 05:24
How about pizzi??you didn't mention him,,is he coming back next season?there's no information so far...I'm really really looking forward to see he wears braga jersey next season
Good News
9 Tuesday, 28 June 2011 00:14
I am very happy to hear that Nuno will most likely be playing in the Minho. I think he will get quite a bit of playing time and I think things could get interesting with him on the field more. So looking forward to the new season.
Nuno
8 Monday, 27 June 2011 19:56
I'm still kind of sad to see Nuno put on another jersey, but a move to Braga would be a good decision for him. Stay in Portugal, and see if you can make the Seleccao again Nuno!
Nuno Gomes
7 Monday, 27 June 2011 19:29
Portugal should give him another shot, it's not like Almeida or Postiga are doing much (although he did win us the game vs Norway). Liedson should be given another shot before him though, he's tearing it up with Corinthians.
Only Wish The Best
6 Monday, 27 June 2011 17:09
I only wish the best for Nuno.
I admire him for not taking the big money deal and going with his heart instead. Then again, the Saudi's might not be done offering.
The Seleccao is very important to him, and I hope he can find the playing time necessary for him to be considered.
I still feel that he can no longer go a full 90 minutes at a competitive level, but could be used as a sub in the final 20 minutes.

Bryan, what about, Pizzi, Keita, Cesar, Ukra, Yazalde and Collado?
It's going to be tough for Jardim, with all these great finishers. LOL!!!
Let's face it, Nuno Gomes automatically becomes their best scorer, and he can't play a full match.
I hope Nuno finishes strong.
..
5 Monday, 27 June 2011 16:52
people who can learn from Great Nuno
______________________________-
1)Villas Boas
2)Ricardo quaresma
3)Hugo almeida
4)Bruno Alves
Good intention
4 Monday, 27 June 2011 14:39
I'm very pleased to hear that Nuno is aiming to make the Euro 2012 squad and with that he is most likely going to Braga. I know he still has that scoring instinct and the nt lacks leadership so he is definitely needed and he deserves the armband more than anyone else.
Best of luck
3 Monday, 27 June 2011 14:02
I’m glad that Nuno isn’t going to Mexico. I think Braga would be a good place because he would add value to their team and he would be one of their best players guaranteeing him the playing time he wants. In a way I would love to see him playing in the MLS and representing Portugal for us here in North America.

If he wanted to make a real impact in Portuguese football he would go back to Boavista to get them out of the third division and back to top flight. I still think it’s a shame that a club like Boavista is sitting down there. They had a stronger run then Braga a few years back and were actually competing for titles with the big 3. But you never know, maybe he’ll win a league cup or something with Braga.
WELCOME TO THE MAGICO!
2 Monday, 27 June 2011 13:24
Lima, Meyong, Douglas, Ze Luis and Nuno Gomes all ready to go !
Good
1 Monday, 27 June 2011 12:49
I'm glad Nuno is staying home. I'm not too thrilled his joining Braga though because they have somewhat become a big rival to Benfica over the years. It's funny I say that because from the 04/05 to the middle of the 09/10 season Braga became somewhat of my third favorite team in Portugal, but Benfica-Braga over the past few years have really built up to a fierce rivalry. Oh well I will always support my dude, Nuno Gomes and hope he scores many goals in Braga, except against Benfica of course lol, to earn a call-up from Bento for Euro 2012.

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