Matheus Carvalho Brings Champions League Experience To Strikers

A big addition to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers attacking corps was made Monday as the club announced the signing of 23-year-old forward Matheus Carvalho. 

Matheus, who goes by his first name, most recently suited up for AS Monaco in Ligue 1, the top flight of French football. He featured in both legs of the club’s 2014-15 Champions League quarterfinal matches against the competition’s eventual finalists, Juventus.

“We want to attract top prospects to the club, and Matheus Carvalho brings top quality experience from European football,” head coach and general manager Caio Zanardi said. “Matheus is a modern forward: fast, versatile, dangerous in the box. He adds further attacking flair to the roster, and knows how to score goals.”

A former youth international, Matheus played alongside current Brazil and Barcelona star Neymar. In 2007, Matheus scored the goal that gave Brazil the South American Under-15 Football Championship.

Last season, Matheus made eight league appearances for Monaco after joining the club on loan during the winter transfer window. Playing in the attack alongside the likes of current and former Premier League stars Anthony Martial and Dimitar Berbatov, Matheus scored one league goal for Monaco, notching the second tally in a 3-0 win over S.C. Bastia in March.

Matheus helped Monaco achieve a third-place finish in the 2014-15 campaign, earning qualification to the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

“The class of players the new Strikers regime has been able to attract is becoming even more evident with recent signings,” managing director Luis Cuccatti said. “The technical staff has done tremendous work to secure the signature of Matheus and we are confident he will be a real asset to the club.”

Despite his youth, Matheus has already enjoyed winning the Série A with Fluminense in 2010 and 2012. He has also been Campeonato Carioca champion in 2012 as well as the Copa Catarina in 2013.

The Brazilian will link up with his new side for preseason training immediately. Having watched the Strikers play in the Florida Cup, the left-footed speedster is eager to add further international experience he has gained playing in Europe and make an impact with the Strikers.