Afonso Alves, Middlesbrough’s new record signing, was given a hero’s welcome when he was unveiled to the fans on Teeside today. The 27-year-old, who completed a move which could worth up to £12.7 million, was presented to supporters at the Riverside Stadium.
In an echo of the welcome given to compatriot Juninho more than 12 years ago, the Brazilian was greeted by a samba band and hundreds of schoolchildren waving his country’s flag.
Alves, wearing the number 12 shirt and blue boots, walked out on to the pitch accompanied by Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager, and two carnival dancers in full costume.
“I was just saying to Afonso, we have a great affinity with Brazilian players at Middlesbrough,” Southgate said. “It will mean a lot to him that so many people have come out to welcome him to the club.”
Alves’ arrival on Teesside was delayed until yesterday as he waited for a working visa to enable him to fly back into the country. Middlesbrough had been tracking the former Heerenveen striker for some time, but only signed him with just hours of the January transfer window closing. AZ Alkmaar continue to insist they had a pre-contract agreement with the South American and are pursuing their claim, although Middlesbrough are adamant he is their player.
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Alves could make his debut against Fulham on Saturday, although his fitness is still being assessed. The fee paid to Heerenveen remains undisclosed, but it smashed the £8.15 million they paid Empoli for Massimo Maccarone in the summer of 2002.