体坛英语新闻：Palmeiras signs Henrique with hopes of bringing the midfield to life

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 15 (Xinhua) -- The Palmeiras soccer team officially presented to the media on Friday their newest player.

    The 23 year-old right midfielder, Henrique, was brought aboard with the mission to bring the midfield to life. The position has been problematic for the team ever since 2002.

    "I am a very offensively minded player. But, I never leave my area vulnerable to the opposition. If I can manage to play well, I know that all the pressure and expectations will be positive for me. I still don't know if I will be able to play in the Libertadores Cup, but I am not worried about it. I am focuses on practice and earning my spot on the starting line-up," said Henrique, who signed a contract extending through the end of the 2009 season.

    Apart from Henrique, the team is also interested in bringing in other talent at the same position. The club is currently negotiating with the Chilean midfielder from Colo-Colo, Figueroa. The player is allegedly close to being signed, however, he will not be able to play for the team until August when the registration for foreign players is open