Naldo signs new Werder Bremen deal

The 6ft 6in Brazilian has been an ever-present in the Bremen back-line since arriving from Juventude in 2005, scoring 14 times in 124 league appearances, with the towering centre-back helping the club win the German Cup and reach the UEFA Cup final in 2008/09.

Arsenal were strongly linked with a move for the Samba Boy - who has four caps for his country - earlier this summer, with Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf previously revealing that he expected the stopper to depart for bigger and better things, saying:

“Naldo is a great athlete and could do well at the right club. Unfortunately he doesn't fit the direction we're planning to move in any longer.

"We expect to move him for somewhere in the region of €10 million, and English side Arsenal is, as of now, the most likely destination.”

However, Naldo has now pledged his allegiance to the Bremen cause by signing an extended deal.

"Everything is going well for me with Werder," he said.

"Furthermore, my family and I are very settled in Bremen."

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