New signing Claudio Braga, who has played in his native Portugal and in Norway, can’t wait to appear at Tynecastle in front of Hearts’ success-hungry fans.
The 25-year-old will join the ambitious Jambos on a three-year deal from Norwegian second-tier side Aalesunds FK for an undisclosed fee when the transfer window opens.
And the move comes after talks with the Gorgie club’s new head coach, Derek McInnes (pictured), who said that Braga was one of their top targets.
The player, whose full name is Claudio Rafael Soares Braga, said: “It (Hearts) is a huge club and it is good when people show interest in you.”
Striker Braga has been top marksman with Aalesunds for the past three seasons and he said: “It happens when you work hard. I know the fans love hard workers and sometimes I will fail and sometimes I will miss but I will try my best in every game.”
He is happy to play where the coach wants him to and expects Scottish football to be intense and physical. He said: “I got used to that in Norway and I will try to be as aggressive as them, if not more.”
He told the club’s social media: “I have heard already that it is a very good locker room and hopefully I can add to the locker room. I can’t wait to play at Tynecastle, win our first game, score my first goal in front of our supporters. It’s going to be amazing.”
McInnes declared: “There is great potential there but also exceptional ability. He’s a technically gifted player but he is versatile and can play across the front.”
