Joining Zenit is another victory in my life: Hulk

PORTO, PORTUGAL – AUGUST 25: Hulk of FC Porto looks on during the Liga Zon Sagres match between FC Porto and Vitoria Guimaraes at Estadio do Dragao on August 25, 2012 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

St. Petersberg, Sep 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Brazil striker Hulk says his shock move to Zenit St. Petersburg football club from Porto represents ‘another victory’ in his career.

The 26-year-old playmaker inked a five-year deal late on Monday with the Russian champions, electing to play in Eastern Europe despite reported interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

‘This is another victory, yet another important step in my life,’ the club’s website quoted him as saying. ‘But I must say how grateful I am to Porto for opening the door to Europe. I was very happy in Portugal,’ he added.

The value of the transfer of the 26-year-old playmaker from Porto was not disclosed. Various reports put the fee at between 40-60 million euros.

‘I want to be happy at Zenit and in Russia also. I want to keep moving in the same direction: winning matches and many titles as I did with Porto,’ he said.

Hulk, who won an Olympic silver medal with his national team in London after a surprise defeat to Mexico in the final, opted for the No. 29 after finding out the No. 12 jersey was reserved for the club’s fans.

Hulk made 99 appearances for Porto, scoring 55 goals to help the team to three league titles and the Europa League. He has five goals in 14 international games.

Zenit also announced the signing of Belgium international midfielder Axel Witsel from Porto’s rivals Benfica.

Witsel, 23, has played 30 times for his country. Zenit are top of the Russian Premier League with seven matches played.