08-01-2010, 01:30 PM
One-time Manchester United target Douglas Costa has sprung a major surprise by signing for Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
Last season's UEFA Cup winners have made a habit of recruiting high-profile Brazilians, with Elano joining Manchester City in big-money deals having first played for the club.
However, Costa's transfer from Gremio is a shock and puts on hold any thought Sir Alex Ferguson might have had of resurrecting a deal to bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford.
At one stage last summer it appeared Ferguson would definitely sign Costa, only for the deal to go cold, amid concerns about the player's attitude.
United did invite the Brazilian Under-20 international to spend a short trial period with them. But Costa refused, preferring instead to remain with Gremio.
However, now he has agreed to make the big move from South America, as so many have done in the past, but join a relatively minor European league compared to Spain, Italy or England.
'I was not expecting it,' he said. 'I only thought of Gremio.
'Today I think about Donetsk and I'm extremely happy.
'That's two times they tried to sign me. I do not know if this is the right time to leave but I mostly thought about my family
source:manutd people
Last season's UEFA Cup winners have made a habit of recruiting high-profile Brazilians, with Elano joining Manchester City in big-money deals having first played for the club.
However, Costa's transfer from Gremio is a shock and puts on hold any thought Sir Alex Ferguson might have had of resurrecting a deal to bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford.
At one stage last summer it appeared Ferguson would definitely sign Costa, only for the deal to go cold, amid concerns about the player's attitude.
United did invite the Brazilian Under-20 international to spend a short trial period with them. But Costa refused, preferring instead to remain with Gremio.
However, now he has agreed to make the big move from South America, as so many have done in the past, but join a relatively minor European league compared to Spain, Italy or England.
'I was not expecting it,' he said. 'I only thought of Gremio.
'Today I think about Donetsk and I'm extremely happy.
'That's two times they tried to sign me. I do not know if this is the right time to leave but I mostly thought about my family
source:manutd people