Hugo Leal bound for Braga
Monday, July 11, 2005
Article summary
SC Braga have signed the former Portuguese youth international midfield player Hugo Leal from FC Porto.
Article body
Two-year contract
The 25-year-old SL Benfica youth product, who boasts Paris Saint-Germain FC and Club Atlético de Madrid among his former clubs, has agreed a two-year deal with Braga, having spent part of last season on loan at A. Académica de Coimbra. He was in the Portugal squads that won the 1995 and 1996 UEFA European Under-17 Championships and also scored the goal that took his nation to the 2002 UEFA European U21 Championship, though he missed the finals through injury.
'Winning ambition'
Having only joined Porto in summer 2004, he said: "My career needs big projects, big ambitions and great coaches. I am joining Braga because the club has a winning ambition and I like to win. I want to revamp my career and I think I am in the right place to do so."
'Great player'
Club president António Salvador added: "I am sure Hugo Leal will help us achieve our goals. Hugo Leal is a great player and he will be very helpful for us." Fourth in Portugal last season, Braga begin their UEFA Cup campaign in the first round.
