Mourinho tips Tiago to become a great

14 April 2012

Jose Mourinho has high hopes of Benfica midfielder Tiago, who is expected to complete his move today after coming through a medical yesterday.

Tiago scored 19 goals in 95 games for Benfica and Mourinho said: "Tiago will arrive as a good player and become a great player." Chelsea have been looking for a central midfielder since Steven Gerrard's decision to stay at Liverpool.

Tiago began his career with Sporting Braga but has played for Lisbon giants Benfica since the 2001-02 season.

Chelsea were finalising personal terms with the Portuguese international this morning after Benfica gave the 23-year-old's transfer the green light.

He is expected to be unveiled along with Marseille and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and could be available for the club's pre-season tour of the United States which the club leave for tomorrow.

Tiago, a member of the Portugal squad at Euro 2004, was in the Benfica side which beat Mourinho's Porto in last season's Portuguese Cup final.

Tiago was under contract with Benfica until 2007 but is reportedly keen to leave because of differences with new chief Jose Veiga, who was once his manager and who Tiago is suing.

"I would not feel good if I stayed at Benfica," he told sports daily A Bola on his arrival in London.

Mourinho tips Tiago to become a great

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