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"EuroFootball.com" offers a article by BBC expert Andy Brassell about one of the most promising forwards - the leader of "Porto", Hulk.
Givanildo Vieira de Souza, better known as Hulk, is of interest to the best football clubs in the world. However, it seems that for now, no one will be able to acquire him.
"The buyout clause is set at 100 million euros. So, if someone offers 99 million, we will not agree to sell," - briefly and clearly stated "Porto" president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.
These words should be taken quite seriously. The Portuguese champions and the president himself are known for their good negotiation skills. In addition, 25-year-old Hulk is not only the best player on the team, but also the soul.
In 2008, when the forward arrived from the Tokyo "Verdy" team, it would have been difficult to believe. 22-year-old Hulk was little known, his potential not yet revealed. Local experts were hopeful of his speed, physical strength, and powerful left foot shot.
The latter factor was evident in August of last year: Hulk, capable of shooting from anywhere, not only scored a goal but also injured a teammate. After a powerful shot, the ball hit Mariano Gonzalez in the thigh, so the Argentine had to spend a month in the care of doctors.
In his first season in Portugal, Hulk helped "Porto" win the country's championship for the fourth consecutive time and reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League, where they lost to "Man Utd". At that time, the team lost their attacking stars Lisandro Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez, so all eyes turned to Hulk.
However, the first steps were difficult. He and defender Cristian Sapunaru were suspended indefinitely, as after a defeat in a key match against Lisbon's "Benfica" club, they got into a conflict with stadium workers in a tunnel.
Portuguese football leaders initially disqualified Hulk for four months, although in March 2010, they reduced the punishment to four matches. It was ironic, as he had already missed 14 games.
After this disqualification, the forward returned to the field changed. Whether affected by this injustice or finally understanding what he should do, he began to better use his strengths.
Hulk's return helped "Porto" win 20 consecutive victories in all competitions and allowed young coach Andre Villas Boas to establish himself in a new position. At that time, another forward Radamel Falcao received a lot of attention and praise for scoring 17 goals in one Europa League season, but Hulk's contribution was no less. He no longer provoked referees to award non-existent penalties and became even physically stronger than before arriving in Portugal.
Knowing that he mostly plays on the right flank, the player's statistics last season were even more impressive: 36 goals and 21 assists. It is not surprising that powerful and/or wealthy clubs like "Man City", London's "Chelsea", "Paris St.Germain", and Machachkala's "Anzhi" began to show interest in him.
"Porto" leaders also did not stand still and in March 2011 bought another 40% of Hulk's registration "shares" for 13.5 million euros, so now they already control 90%. The Portuguese understand perfectly that they have found a true gold mine and want to fully exploit its potential.
However, it is unlikely that Hulk himself will initiate a move to another team. The Brazilian, who has scored seven goals in 15 matches in Portugal this season, is a devoted family man, so he values the fact that his family and children have adapted to life in Porto. Of course, it will happen someday, but it will be a matter of mutual agreement with the club.
The forward, who has secured his place in the Brazilian national team, recently became the captain of "Porto". "It's a great honor and responsibility," - rejoiced the powerful comic book character's namesake.
Hulk's moments of play:"
