Lisbon, May 29 (IANS): Portuguese midfielder Francisco Leonel Lima Silva Machado, better known as "Chiquinho," has joined Benfica on a five-year contract from Academica de Coimbra, the Eagles have announced.
The 22-year-old Chiquinho, who made his professional debut with Leixoes in 2014, spent last season at Academica on loan from Croatia's NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, reports Efe.
"A midfielder with offensive attributes, Chiquinho was born in Santo Tirso 22 years ago and completed his youth training at Leixões, where he also played in the first team," Benfica said in a statement posted on its website.
During his time with Second Division Academica, Chiquinho scored nine goals in 41 appearances.