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I-League holders Churchill Brothers have signed Portuguese duo Euripedes Amoreirinha and Hugo Machado, Sportskeeda can confirm.
Amoreirinha is a 28-year central defender who played for Benfica between 2004 and 2007. He was part of the Benfica squad that won the club’s first league title in 11 years in 2004-05. Amoreirinha has represented Portugal at U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels and also had a spell in Romania for CFR Cluj.
The highly rated center back has also played for Portuguese top tier outfit Academica and his last club was Vitoria Setubal.
30-year-old midfielder Machado is a product of the famous Sporting Lisbon academy and has played with Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Machado is a much-travelled player having had spells in Cyprus, Azerbaijan and Iran. His last club was Iranian outfit Sanat Naft.
The connection between the cultures of Portugal and Goa was a big reason behind the two Portuguese players’ decision to join the Indian champions and they are expected to be in India by July 8, when Churchill Brothers start their pre-season preparations.
Newly-appointed technical director Sukhwinder Singh will only join the team by July 15 as he will be busy with a family commitment.
After a quiet period in the transfer window so far, Churchill Brothers have now confirmed three of their four foreigners for the 2013-14 season, as Gabon striker Henri Antchouet was already retained.
A key factor in their I-League triumph last season was the presence of quality foreigners and the Goan outfit are keen on ensuring the same this time also, as they aim to retain the trophy they lifted last May. Churchill Brothers had earlier also signed midfielders Mickey Fernandes and Anthony Barbosa.
