体坛英语新闻：Sao Paulo officially announces Fernandao as newest member of team

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- After much speculation, the Sao Paulo soccer team officially announced Fernandao as their newest member to the club on Friday.

Fernandao was traded from Goais in order to reinforce Sao Paulo' s offense in the Libertadores Cup quarterfinals.

The 32-year-old striker/midfielder signed a contract with Sao Paulo that extends through December of 2011. He will have his first chance to play on May 12 when Sao Paulo travels to play the first leg of the quarterfinal match of the Libertadores Cup against Cruzeiro.

"I am thrilled to arrive at Sao Paulo. I am very excited and eager to play. Whether I begin on the bench or as a starter, I just want to get started. Sao Paulo is a great team with a lot of talent. They didn't make it to the quarterfinals by chance. They have a great chance of winning the tournament," said an enthusiastic Fernandao.

Ricardo Gomes, the head coach of Sao Paulo, plans on using Fernandao on the Sao Paulo attack. The athlete will have to compete with veteran Washington for spot on the field at striker. Gomes previously declared that he does not intend on using both players at the same time due to the fact that the team would lose speed.

Fernandao will use jersey number 15 with Sao Paulo.