Hertha sign Brazilian Nene
Wednesday, August 7, 2002
Article summary
Hertha BSC Berlin have added the 27-year-old defender Nene to their Brazilian contingent.
Article body
Hertha BSC Berlin have signed a fourth Brazilian player, the 27-year-old defender Nene, on a one-year contract from Grêmio Football Porto Alegrense days before the start of the new German 1. Bundesliga season.
Trial period
Nene will team up with compatriots Marcelinho, Alex Alves and the FIFA 2002 World Cup winner Luizao - who also joined Hertha from Brazilian club Grêmio - following his six-week trial period. "He has got a fair chance to show us what potential he has got," general manager Dieter Hoeness said.
Fourth-placed finish
Huub Stevens' side impressed last season with a fourth-placed finish to clinch a UEFA Cup spot behind the big three - champions BV Borussia Dortmund, runners-up Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern München - and last week they won the German League Cup with a 4-1 demolition of FC Schalke 04 to signal their intent for the coming season.