Former Santos forward Geuvânio is now with China League One club Tianjin Quanjian. (Photo : Getty Images)
Former Santos FC forward Geuvânio Santos Silva, or simply Geuvânio, had officially completed his €11 million transfer to China League One squad Tianjin Quanjian FC on Jan. 23 after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.
The 23-year-old Brazilian footballer was given a four-year contract at an annual salary of €2.7 million by the Chinese second-tier club to ensure a long-term stay in the football-crazy far eastern nation.
"I want to thank Ismailton. My family is from Sergipe. I came to São Paulo, and was playing on the terrace and he gave me the first opportunity," a noticeably emotional Geuvânio said, acknowledging agent Ismailton Santos Gomes, as per Sambafoot. "It was the first test. I'll never forget that. I often had nothing to eat at home and he helped us. I thank God for what's happening in my life. Thank you."
The young forward also explained why he chose the China transfer instead of staying in Brazil, saying that "I looked inside my house. And family. I talked to my parents, my brothers, my whole family. The difficulties that we have, I saw this as an escape door. For me to make a greater leap in my life, in my career, in my financial life."
"But I'm not going just to make money. I want to make history in China. I'm still young, so I'm motivated to do the best," he added.
Geuvânio is set to join Seleção internationals striker Luis Fabiano and midfielder Jádson from Brazilian Serie A teams São Paulo FC and Sport Club Corinthians Paulista respectively, who were also both recently snagged by the Tianjin residents during this January transfer window.
The 5-foot-9 Ilha das Flores, Brazil native will also have a Brazilian, former Real Madrid manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo, as the head coach in his new Chinese squad, according to Sportskeeda.
Geuvânio began his senior professional career with Santos in 2011, spending four seasons with the club in the Brazilian top flight, appearing in 114 games and scoring 24 times in all competitions.
He was briefly put on loan to Penapolense in 2013 and played in 11 state league games, scoring one goal before continuing his stint with Santos.
Geuvânio received the Campeonato Paulista Best Attacking Midfielder and Best Newcomer awards in 2014.
