Benfica swoop for Celis

Benfica have confirmed the signing of Colombia international Guillermo Celis, who has signed a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder was a part of the Colombia squad that finished third at Copa America last month.

“I am very happy, really happy,” Celis said.

“It’s a great day, a very important day for me and I am very happy to be here. I want to work in the best way and give my best to win a place in the team and win titles. 

“I’ve been in the Copa America and did not have time to be at home. It was only one day and I came to Lisbon.”

Celis added that Benfica’s stadium is particularly impressive and pledged to give everything for his new club.

“I know Benfica are a big Portuguese team and I am very happy to be here,” Celis said. 

“The Estadio da Luz is impressive. I will give the best for this club. I’ll give a hundred percent.”

Celis is the latest new arrival into Rui Vitoria’s squad, after Benfica completed the signing of Andre Carillo from Sporting Lisbon on Friday.