Franco signs on and new boy can’t wait to get started

The Swans confirmed the capture yesterday of Gonçalo Franco for an undisclosed fee yesterday in what was clear a good match for both parties as Swans boss talked up his new signing whilst the midfielder talked about his happiness in joining the Swans.

Franco posed for the media pictures with the number 17 shirt in his hand and a four-year contract tucked away in his pocket after his move from Moreirense and was reported as being targetted for the Swans because of “a high energy, all-action style of play.”

The wording used by the official site of an “ability to drive forward purposefully with the ball also allows him to start attacks in transition,” will be music to the ears of Swans fans who, too often last season, saw us being static and slow in midfield and all too often moving backwards rather than forwards.

Luke Williams was clearly happy with his new capture and said upon completing the deal “We want to have a team with energy and intensity. That is really important and, from what we have seen, Gonçalo has that in abundance.

“We have seen the quality he has as well, he has shown some incredible actions to create goals and score goals.

“He is aggressive, he is not frightened to tackle and compete for the ball. He is an attacking player who has defensive instincts.

“When I spoke to him, I got the feeling that as a club – with the values we have – we are going to be able to relate to him, and he to us.

“No-one should underestimate the importance of that and we are excited to get him out on the training pitch and give him the chance to build relationships with his teammates.”

Franco himself revealed that as soon as he spoke to Luke Williams he made the decision to join the Swans when he said “I had the opportunity to talk with the coach, he exuded positivity right from the first conversation. This was great and made me want to be one of his players right away.

“The club supports young players and it’s a historic club. It was because of this that I was motivated to come here to better myself and achieve my dreams.

“As soon as I found out about the interest by Swansea, I felt extremely happy because they knew my work and now I cannot wait to get started.

“When I arrived here, I could immediately see the club has great facilities, it has everything and doesn’t lack for anything.

“Everything is here to help support the players, including me, to achieve the aims of the club and be the best they can be.”

Welcome to Swansea Gonçalo.