Sporting Lisbon have confirmed an agreement to sell Miguel Veloso to Serie A club Genoa in a 9million euro (£7.5m) deal.
Midfielder departs Portuguese giants for Genoa
Sporting Lisbon have confirmed an agreement to sell Miguel Veloso to Serie A club Genoa in a €9million (£7.5m) deal.
However, Sporting have ensured they receive maximum compensation for the Portugal defensive midfielder by including several conditions in the contract, according to a club statement published on the Portuguese stock exchange (CMVM).
The Portuguese giants will be paid a further €500,000 (£415,000) by Genoa if the Italian club qualify for a group phase of a UEFA-affiliated tournament, such as the Champions League or the Europa League.
And if 24-year-old Veloso is sold on for a price exceeding €10m (£8.3m), Sporting "have the right to receive 20 percent of the profits".
Ambition
Veloso says Genoa's history and ambition were major factors in his decision to move to Serie A.
"I'm really happy to have come to Genoa," said Veloso. "I thank the president (Enrico) Preziosi and the coach (Gian Piero) Gasperini for this opportunity.
"The meeting with the president and the great history of this club convinced me.
"Are the fans expecting too much from me? I'm not someone to avoid responsibility. I came to Genoa with the desire to do well, help the club and continue my professional improvement.
"Playing in Italy, at a club full of history, is important. I hope to score many goals and to help Genoa achieve their aims. Mine are to work to improve always. I'm here to work and learn."
Veloso revealed Portugal team-mate and Genoa goalkeeper Eduardo helped him make up his mind over the move.
Decision
"It's not a step backwards," added Veloso.
"I know that Genoa have a great history and that they can insert themselves among the greats and I will try to help them do that.
"When I talked to Eduardo, before the decisive stretch, he told me of a great group and passionate fans.
"The choice to come to Genoa then developed further in my mind after meeting the president. The financial aspect wasn't a determining factor."
Sporting had agreed to sell Veloso on Friday, when the outfit also revealed the signing of Spanish midfielder Alberto Zapater from Genoa.
In the statement on Tuesday, Sporting said they had "definitively acquired the rights to Alberto Zapater for two million euros".
