David Luiz banking on Benfica

Brazilian centre-back David Luiz has pledged his future to SL Benfica after signing a long-term contract with the Lisbon giants despite interest from other clubs.

'Very happy'
The 20-year-old youth international moved to the Estádio da Luz during the winter break on loan from EC Vitória in his homeland and was delighted to make the switch permanent, reportedly for the next five seasons. "Thank God I am going on vacation with my head clear, knowing my future," he said. "I am very happy here and I always wanted to play for Benfica."

European football
The youngster made his debut after an injury to Luisão during the UEFA Cup Round of 16 first leg at Paris Saint-Germain FC on 8 March. Benfica lost 2-1 but ultimately went through 4-3 on aggregate, with the defender more than doing enough to show his worth. He played in both legs of the quarter-final against RCD Espanyol, as Benfica went down 3-2 overall, and also made ten Liga appearances. Benfica finished third in Portugal and will try to enter the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League via the third qualifying round.