Lokomotiv Sign European Champion

Portugal national team striker Eder has joined Lokomotiv on a loan-to-buy basis until the end of the season. He is going to wear #24 shirt.

The deal has been sealed in Rome where the player did a medical check.

- I am happy to become part of Lokomotiv, - says Eder. - I had been very excited lately, hurrying up the time, and finally on Tuesday it was done. I did a medical check, then me and my wife Sann went to meet up the Lokomotiv president. My wife's opinion is very important to me, and she said: "It's right, we're going to Russia". And I signed it.

- In the Russian league you are going to be in the limelight. Not every team can boast a European champion.

- I will try to meet the expectations of not only the Lokomotiv fans, but also Portugal supporters. I was pleased to know people in Russia like my national team. They are leaving welcoming comments on social networks!

- What did your friends say?

- Former Lokomotiv player Marko Basa told me about the team and shared some first-hand experience on how to adapt quickly. I have a friend at Lokomotiv, Manu Fernandes. He's waiting for me. He told me Lokomotiv always fight to win, the players are creative and love to attack. This feedback is amazing. And I know Manu as a great master.

- Manu was absolutely fantastic in the last game, and the goals were plenty.

- I know! It was a derby that brought very special emotions. It is great Lokomotiv are in good mood now, I can't wait to join the team.

- There was no secret we needed to improve our attacking potential, - says Lokomotiv president Ilya Gerkus. - I would call the search for a striker the most careful, and the demands - the highest. Eder is a forward with the attributes we need. He has made his name internationally. Now our team has been strengthened by an actual European champion. There's an exciting season ahead, and we wish Eder success at Lokomotiv!

Our Note

Eder, striker

Born on December 22, 1987 in Guinea-Bissau.

His family moved to Portugal when he was three. There, at the city of Coimbra, the boy joined the local football academy. In 2007 Eder signed his first pro contract with the Tourizense football club from Portugal's third division. He made 42 appearances and scored 11 goals.

In 2008 the player joined Academica. During his four-year spell at the club, the striker made his debut in the top-flight division, and won the Cup of Portugal.

In 2012 Eder signed a four-year deal with Braga and rose to a top scorer position in his very first year, notching 13 goals. He immediately got a call-up to the national team. Together with Braga, Eder won the Taca de Liga.

Eder started his 2015/16 season at Swansea but moved to Lille in mid-season. During two years in France the striker made 51 appearances and scored 13 goals.

Eder's finest hour came with the 2016 Euro Finals where he scored a winner against France in extra time, bringing his team their first-ever European Champions title.

Eder has won a total of 33 caps and scored four goals.