Bordeaux go for Fernando
Friday, May 26, 2006
Article summary
Midfielder Fernando has signed a four-year contract with FC Girondins de Bordeaux as they prepare to return to the UEFA Champions League next season.
Article body
FC Girondins de Bordeaux midfielder Fernando has signed a four-year contract with the Ligue 1 runners-up who are preparing to return to the UEFA Champions League next season after a seven-year absence.
Successful loan
The 25-year-old Brazilian moved to the Stade Chaban-Delmas on loan from Italian club AC Siena last summer and was an unmitigated success during his first term in France. One of several shrewd acquisitions by Bordeaux's Brazilian coach Ricardo Gomes, Fernando, who has already played for his compatriot at Grêmio FBPA, featured in 31 games last season, scoring five goals.
Group stage
News of the deal comes less than 48 hours after striker Jean-Claude Darcheville committed to Bordeaux for another 12 months. Bordeaux will start the 2006/07 UEFA Champions League campaign in the group stage along with French champions Olympique Lyonnais.