Meireles makes Porto switch
Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Article summary
Boavista FC's Raul Meireles has become the latest player to join European champions FC Porto.
Article body
New arrival
Less than 24 hours after the club announced the arrival of Ricardo Quaresma from FC Barcelona, the 21-year-old Meireles has signed a five-year contract with his side's local rivals, and will join new coach Luigi Del Neri as Porto aim to retain their Portuguese title as well as their UEFA Champions League crown.
'A giant leap'
U21 experience
Meireles, who played 29 matches for Boavista last season, represented Portugal in the recent UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals in Germany. Portugal finished in third place at the finals, qualifying for a place in the Olympic football tournament.
Tiago departs
As part of the deal, which sees Porto take possession of an 80 per cent share of Meireles' registration, Porto midfield player Tiago will move to Boavista. The deal signed with Meireles also includes the option of a further two-year contract when his current agreement expires.
