RSSEduardo Vargas Related Content
Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas arrives in Italy to kick start Napoli challenge
The explosive striker faces stiff competition to earn himself a place in Napoli's starting eleven.
Chilean attacker Eduardo Vargas arrived in Italy on Thursday to incorporate himself into his new club Napoli, who signed him from Universidad de Chile for $14.8 million.A few hundred fans greeted the player upon his arrival at the Fiumicino airport, where Vargas briefly signed some first autographs. The nippy striker intends to make a name for himself at Napoli and in the Italian Serie A. The player expressed his delight to have made the move to one of Europe's toughest leagues.
"I'm happy, really happy, to be here in Italy," said Vargas, who will receive a salary of $1.4 million per year.
The 22-year-old is expected to join his new team-mates on Friday, and he could make his Napoli debut next Thursday in the Coppa Italia clash with Cesena.
Neymar and Eduardo Vargas lead race for 2011 South American Player of the Year
Teenage sensation Neymar is the overwhelming favourite to run away with the trophy.
Santos striker Neymar and Universidad de Chile striker Eduardo Vargas are the front runners to be named South American Footballer of the Year for 2011. The poll conducted by prized Uruguayan newspaper El Pais signalled that one of the two youngsters will claim the honours.Neymar, who is without doubt the hottest property in South American soccer at the moment, played a key role as Santos lifted the Copa Libertadores for the third time after beating Penarol in the final in June. He also guided Santos to the Paulista State championship and earned himself a starting eleven spot in the Brazilian national team.
He was one of Brazil's best players in the Copa America, but he couldn't do anything as the Selecao were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the competition after losing a penalty shootout to Paraguay.