De Freitas needed by NEC

Year away
The 30-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with the Dutch Eredivisie club and joins on a free transfer after being released by FC Den Bosch a year ago. De Freitas has been without a club since but is eager to get back into action.

Futsal skills
The forward took part in a training session with NEC assistant coach Ron de Groot yesterday. "I was still a bit rusty, because I have not played for a while," said De Freitas. "But I am still fit, because last year I worked hard for myself and played Futsal. Every now and then I also trained with an amateur team."

Linking up
The much-travelled De Freitas, who has played in Spain, Portugal and England during a varied career, will meet his new colleagues at their training camp on Monday. The squad are preparing for their forthcoming domestic and UEFA Cup campaign.