BENFICA have completed the signing of midfielder Javier Balboa from Real Madrid.
Balboa has signed a four-year contract at the Lisbon club after struggling for first-team opportunities under Madrid coach Bernd Schuster.
The 23-year-old becomes one of Quique Sanchez Flores' first signings since he took over at the Benfica helm last month, and the coach admitted to his delight at capturing a player that he first encountered while in charge of Madrid's youth team.
"I coached him in youth categories and I have very good impression of him," said Sanchez Flores. "He is a modern player, quick, able to cross well and is a hard worker."
"He created a good impression at 18, and now at 23 he will show that he is a good player."
Balboa added: "It was easy reaching an agreement because I wanted to come to Benfica.
"It is important having the confidence of the coach, and Benfica is an important club in Europe and the best in Portugal."
The 23-year-old becomes one of Quique Sanchez Flores' first signings since he took over at the Benfica helm last month, and the coach admitted to his delight at capturing a player that he first encountered while in charge of Madrid's youth team.
"I coached him in youth categories and I have very good impression of him," said Sanchez Flores. "He is a modern player, quick, able to cross well and is a hard worker."
"He created a good impression at 18, and now at 23 he will show that he is a good player."
Balboa added: "It was easy reaching an agreement because I wanted to come to Benfica.
"It is important having the confidence of the coach, and Benfica is an important club in Europe and the best in Portugal."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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