Wednesday, 26th June, 2013
Shakhtar Donetsk have completed the signing of Brazilian Fred from SC Internacional on a five-year deal, paving the way for a possible move to Liverpool or Borussia Dortmund for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Fred had been flown in to the Ukraine for a medical yesterday, and today the €15m signing was officially confirmed by Shakhtar Donetsk.
It will bring a measure of relief for Shakhtar Donetsk who are considering a fine for wantaway midfielder Mkhitaryan, as he failed to report for pre-season training yesterday.
Many have surmised that Liverpool’s interest in Mkhitaryan was the reason for his disappearance but, for now, Fred is keen to bring a positive spin to this week’s events.
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"I received a warm welcome here in Donetsk", he told the club’s official site. "I haven’t seen the whole stadium yet, but I can already admit that the entire infrastructure of Shakhtar is something amazing."
League winners Shakhtar Donetsk will be competing in next season’s Champions League, and Fred is hoping to add to his seven league goals from Brazil from his preferred position of attacking midfield.
"I know a lot about Shakhtar, it’s a big club. While playing in the Brazilian league, I was watching European football. And I am happy to be in Donetsk and to sign a contract with Shakhtar.
"Every player dreams of playing in the Champions League final and of winning the final. Yes, I am willing to try and help Shakhtar achieve this aim.
"[Personally, my aim is] to become a first-team regular, to play in the Champions League and to enjoy appearing in Shakhtar’s shirt."
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