Lokomotiv Sign Manuel Fernandes

Lokomotiv have signed a long-term contract with midfielder Manuel Fernandes. The Portuguese will be wearing a #4 T-shirt.

Lokomotiv sportive director Kirill Kotov has commented on the move:

- Our most important task during this transfer window was to boost creativity in midfield. Fernandes is known for his perfect technique and high playing intellect. We are sure he will bring in diversity to our attacking which is vital to succeed in the Europa League.

Player's Bio

Manuel Fernandes was born on February 5, 1986 in Amador just outside Lisbon. As a child he played street football together with his friend Luis Nani.

Soon Fernandes was recruited to the Benfica Academy where he grew into a first squad player. He set the club's record as its youngest scorer when he notched a winner against Gil Vicente in his second appearance. His first season at the club brought him the Portuguese Cup.

A year later a regular starter Fernandes helped Benfica win their first champions title in eleven years.

Season-2006/07 started with another success: Benfica won the Portuguese Supercup, Fernandes played almost full time. He debuted in the Champions League in the victorious game against Lille. In the continent's top club tournament Fernandes first scored to Villareal.

He soon travelled to England where the Portuguese joined Portsmouth steered by Harry Redknapp. Pompey employed him in several games but soon he was forced to return to Portugal only to get loaned to Premier League's Everton. At the Toffees' outfit Fernandes scored twice, including a goal to Manchester United.

In summer 2007 the player moved to La Primera to play at Valencia. There he won the Spanish Cup but then again was loaned to Everton.

In Season-2008/09 Manuel became a regular starter at Valencia where he played in 39 games. Unfortunately, an injury spoilt the following season and eventually he ended up in Besiktas. Soon the loaned player signed a contract with the Turks.

In Istanbul, Fernandes immediately became a starter and won the Turkish Cup. At Besiktas he made 112 appearances, scored 20 goals and made 41 assists.

Fernandes played at the Portuguese national team and scored twice. He debuted in 2005 against Ireland when he substituted Cristiano Ronaldo.