Leandro Damiao, the 22-year-old Brazilian striker, has confirmed he intends to stay with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Internacional-c39573 and had to turn down a move to English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Along with interest from other European sides, Tottenham Hotspur were considered favourites to sign the striker. While his agent believes the time is right for a move abroad, Damiao himself thinks he should remain with the Brazilian outfit until the 2014
World Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur faced competition from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, with the sides all willing to pay as much as 20 million pounds. However, the young striker is not looking for a move away and will most likely remain in Brazil.
Damiao said in an interview:
“I've got Tottenham's proposal, but Inter thought I'd better stay. I will try to reach the World Cup playing for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567. But have to wait for the window to pass and close.”
The forward began his career with local side Jardim Alegre as a midfielder. He joined Atletico Tubarao in 2008 after facing rejection from the likes of XV de Outubro and Atletico Ibirama. He soon established himself in the first team as a striker and was
given another opportunity with Atletico Ibirama a year later.
He did not stay long with Atletico Ibirama, leaving for Internacional just next year in 2009, waiting for another year before he made his debut with the senior side. He made 35 appearances in his debut season and found the back of the net 12 times.
His second season at the club was highly successful; he made 51 appearances in all competitions and had an impressive goal tally of 38. He has a total of 111 appearances for Internacional and 68 goals, which make him one of the most exciting young players.
Brazilian legend http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ronaldo-c31734 said about Damiao:
“Leandro Damiao, from Internacional de Porto Alegre. He's tall, strong, a very good goalscorer, a threat in the air and skilful with both feet. He'll play a big part in 2014.”
It is no surprise that Damiao has been linked with the top sides in Europe, but they could have to wait before the youngster is open to move away from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Brazil-c2858.
Tags: