Santos signs Sergio as new goalkeeper

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Santos soccer team officially presented Sergio on Wednesday as the team's newest goalkeeper.

The signing comes just days after receiving news that the team's current and injured goalie, Fabio Costa, will need corrective surgery and will only return to action in 2010.

Sergio, the 39 year-old veteran, was highly recommended by head coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Sergio used to play for the coach's former team of Palmeiras, where he won over the respect of Luxemburgo.

The team's starting goalkeeper, Fabio Costa, fell to injury on June 21. Hoping to recover without the need of surgery, the goalie finally gave into the need of medical attention. The athlete will receive an operation on his right foot.

"We tried to administer a conservative treatment to Fabio Costa's foot, but we did not receive the results we were looking for. For this reason, he will need surgery. It is not a simple surgery. The period of recovery is between three to four months. After his physical therapy, Costa will only be ready to return to the field towards the beginning of 2010 with the Sao Paulo state tournament," declared the team doctor Carlos Braga.