Brazilian Cortez joins Benfica on loan

Bruno Cortez (L)

Rio de Janeiro, July 14 (IANS): Benfica have signed Brazilian left-back Bruno Cortez on a season-long loan deal, the Portuguese top-flight club has confirmed.

The announcement follows the 26-year-old’s successful medical examination in Lisbon, reports Xinhua.

Brazilian giants Sao Paulo have offered Benfica the chance to sign Cortez, who has one international cap to his name, on a permanent contract next summer.

“It’s a great feeling. Now I’m setting my sights on working as hard as I can for Benfica and reward the club for its faith,” Cortez told Benfica’s official website.

“I hopefully I can perform well enough to be considered again for the national team.”

Cortez is likely to make his debut for Benfica against Sao Paulo August 3 in the Eusebio Cup, an annual pre-season exhibition match at the Estadio da Luz.