BREAKING NEWS:
Santos Beats Out Manchester United For Rights to Train Jean Carlos Chera
Brazil champion Santos has beaten out Manchester United for the rights to train a prospective future star -- nine-year-old Jean Carlos Chera. Santos brought the boy's family from southern Brazil and is paying him to train with the club in the coastal city of Santos, 400 kilometres southwest of Rio, the team said yesterday.
"Our soccer people say he's something special, that he has exceptional skills," Santos spokesperson Aldo Neto said.
Chera's standout play as a midfielder for Adap club in Parana state drew the interest of major teams, including English powerhouse Manchester United.
Under Brazilian law, Chera is too young to sign a professional contract. Santos must renew its agreement with his family yearly until he's 16, Aldo Neto said.
"Nothing prevents him from leaving. He has no professional sports link to the club."
Santos has a tradition of discovering young soccer stars.
Pele made his debut for Santos as a teenager, and was 17 when he won his
first World Cup title in 1958.