KLEBERSON SIGNS

Last updated : 13 August 2003 By Editor
This statement from the club:

Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has
completed the transfer of the registration of José Pereira
Kleberson from Atletico Paranaense for a total
consideration, including associated costs, of £5.93m. The
fee is payable immediately, and the player has signed a five-
year contract.

Kleberson said: “To be the first Brazilian to sign for
United is special. This is the biggest opportunity of my
life. I had offers from other clubs but they weren’t
Manchester United. What I promise the fans is to give my all
on the pitch from the outset.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, said: “We’re delighted Kleberson is
joining us because we’ve been chasing him for quite a few
months. He played in the World Cup final for Brazil, and his
then coach Phil Scolari said he was first choice every time
in the team. The new Brazilian coach Parreira says the same.
He is a young, athletic midfield player who can play in a
number of positions. One of the reasons we sold Seba Veron
was because we knew we were getting Kleberson – that show’s
how highly we regard his talent.”

Kleberson factfile:

Born: 19 June 1979, Urai, Brazil
Position: Midfielder
Previous club: Atletico Paranaense
International debut: January 2002 v Bolivia
International caps: 15 (2 goals)
Honours: 2002 World Cup; 2001 Brazilian Championship; 2000,
2001 Parana Championship.