Luis Carlos Novo Neto

Luís Carlos Novo Neto is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Russian Premier League. His profile is that of a defender. Neto joined hometown's Varzim SC's youth ranks at the age of ten. With the club he played exclusively in the second division; his official debut came on 10 February 2007 in a 2–1 home win against S.L. Benfica for the campaign's Portuguese Cup. In July 2011, Neto signed with top level outfit C.D. Nacional on a free transfer. Inspite of interests from likes of F.C. Porto and Arsenal, Italian side A.C. Siena eventually won the bid to sign the player, for €1.7 million. Neto was an undisputed starter during the first half of the season, scoring his first goal in Serie A in a 1-3 home defeat against A.S. Roma. Neto appeared with the Portuguese under-21 team at the 2009 Lusophony Games. He played all four matches during the tournament as the side collected the silver medal.