Vasco sell 16-year-old to Inter Milan
Reuters - Wednesday 23 July 2008, 12:11
RIO DE JANEIRO - Vasco da Gama have sold
16-year-old midfielder Philippe Coutinho to Inter Milan before
he has even made his professional debut.
Vasco director Manuel Teixeira Rodrigues Fontes said the
deal was made shortly before the club's previous administration
left office last month while new president Roberto Dinamite
warned players' agents of a new approach from now on.
"As soon as we took over, we became aware of the sale of
Philippe Coutinho," Fontes said on the club's website.
"He had already been sold by the previous directors to Inter
Milan."
Fontes, who said the deal was worth 3.8 million euros, said
Coutinho would stay with Vasco for another two years as FIFA
rules prohibit the international transfer of players under 16.
Former Brazil striker Roberto, who replaced Eurico Miranda
as president following an 18-month legal battle, announced a
change in policy under his leadership.
"Any player from the youth divisions is important to the
club," he said. "Now, we're starting a new phase at Vasco.
"We want to build a strong team... The partnership between
agents and the club should be good for both sides. The player
needs to stay for as long as possible at the club."
Earlier this year, Miranda, president at the time, accused
Real Madrid of making an offer to Coutinho behind Vasco's back.
He said he had reported Real to FIFA, alleging they had
tried to get around the rules by offering a job to Coutinho's
father and a chance for his family to live in Spain.
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