Robert jumps ship for Benfica chance
Portsmouth agreed to cancel Robert’s season-long loan from Newcastle, leaving the erratic French winger free to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract with Benfica.
Robert, aged 30, passed his medical in Lisbon yesterday morning and immediately revealed the lure of Champions League football was too great to turn down.
“It gives me great satisfaction to join Benfica because it’s an ambitious club, just as I am,” he said.
“I came here to win titles. This is a super club and they showed a lot of interest in me. To be able to play in the Champions League is fantastic, and that is why I am here today.”
Robert is in line for a quick return to English soil however.
Benfica, coached by former Holland international Ronald Koeman and currently third in the Portuguese championship, face Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals after helping to eliminate Manchester United.
Robert cost Newcastle £9.5 million (€13.7 million) when he signed from Paris St Germain in August 2001. He moved to Portsmouth last June on loan but has since been deemed surplus to requirements at Fratton Park following Harry Redknapp’s return as manager.
Meanwhile Redknapp’s bid to save Pompey from relegation has seen him sign Poland striker Emmanuel Olisadebe until the end of the season.
The Nigerian-born 27-year-old, who has made 25 international appearances, joins from Panathinaikos after a two-day trial last month.
Redknapp could have plenty of money available for new recruits if Russian businessman Alexandre Gaydamak completes his attempt to become part-owner of the club.
Gaydamak is a 29-year-old multi-millionaire who, according to sources, plans to work closely with chairman Milan Mandaric, playing an active role in decisions affecting Portsmouth.
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