AS Monaco has officially signed Brazilian defender Naldo, formerly of German side Schalke 04, until 2020.
As one of Monaco’s first transfer window moves, manager Thierry Henry’s club has procured the staunch defending services of 36-year-old Brazilian Naldo. According to L’Equipe, the experienced defender has signed with the Principality’s A team until 2020. He wasted no time integrating with the team as he was seen on the practice field the afternoon following his signing this past Wednesday.
The Brazilian giant measures 1. 98 meters and is known primarily for his aerial prowess both on the offensive and defensive ends of the pitch. Naldo spent the past 13 seasons in the German league with stints at Werder Bremen (2005-2010), Wolfsburg (2011-2016), and Schalke 04 for the past season. His departure from Schalke is not necessarily surprising as the player recently lost his starting position in central defense.
Though he is principally a signing to help shore up a flailing Monegasque defense, Naldo’s presence as a goalscoring threat from set pieces cannot be overlooked. In last season’s campaign with Wolfsburg, the Brazilian netted 7 goals, a number he had also reached with Werder Bremen in the 2014-15 season.
According to the team’s official website, Naldo had this to say about his signing: “It’s a new project for me after fourteen years in the Bundesliga. I thank AS Monaco for their trust. I will do everything to meet the expectations of the club in the field but also outside. I want to bring my experience to help AS Monaco to find its place.”