Anderson delighted to be a Red Devil
Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed by Anderson when he played at Old Trafford for Porto last year
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Thursday, 31, May 2007 04:39
New Manchester United signing Anderson has said his move to Old Trafford represents a boyhood dream come true.
The highly-rated 19-year-old is moving from Porto in a deal believed to be worth about £17.5 million and he will be joined in Manchester by Sporting Lisbon winger Nani and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
United's triple swoop is estimated to have cost them more than £50 million but Anderson, a Brazilian midfielder likened to Ronaldinho, is ready to join the Red Devils' expensive ranks.
"I cannot wait to play in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a great player, as well as Wayne Rooney and many more," the dreadlocked Anderson said.
"I could not imagine I would ever get to work with a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson but it has happened. What can I say? It is a dream the size of the world."
He added: "Ever since I was a boy I always wanted to play for Manchester United and now that dream has come true. I am very happy."
Anderson has already earned international recognition and will be part of Brazil's Copa America squad next month.
Nani, meanwhile, is being billed by some observers as the 'new Cristiano Ronaldo' and the Portuguese 20-year-old's fee - a reported £17 million - appears to reflect that.
Commenting on the signings, United's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said United had bought two players who could be major factors in the club's future success.
"It is a significant investment in Manchester United's prospects for the next ten years," he told TVI.
He added: "These signings mean the end of a long observation process.
"They are players who correspond to the club's intentions. They are young and have plenty of potential and talent."