Former Cape Town City FC imposing goalkeeper Hugo Marques has opened up on his surprise switch to Petro de Luanda, saying he is excited to sign for the Angolan top-flight league champions.
Marques was speaking to Petro de Luanda media for the first time since his sudden shock resignation from City due to reported personal reasons.
“For me, it’s a great honour to represent Petro, and I’m very happy to be here,” Marques is quoted telling Petro website.
“It feels good to be back where I have been a long time ago. It was good meeting people that I know already, and it facilitates integration since I’ve been in contact with them before I left the club.”
The towering keeper said he is looking forward to participation in the CAF Champions League with Petro.
In reaction, the Angolan champions tweeted: “Hugo marques wasting no time. Arrived and already training at Petro. Welcome back.”
A Petro fan William Da Silva Smith, said the keeper had made the right decision to rejoin the Luanda- based side, which ousted Mamelodi Sundowns from the CAF Champions League quarterfinals this year.
“Welcome, Hugo marques. Petro are the same club that ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ sojourn in last year’s CAF Champions League after a 3-2 aggregate win in the quarterfinal of the prestigious competition,” Smith tweeted.
Marques joined Petro de Luanda days after requesting City management to be released from his contract with the Citizens.
His new deal with the Cape Town-based outfit would have expired in June next year.
The veteran keeper has signed a one-year contract with an option for an extension at Petro de Luanda.
Marques played 34 games for the Citizens and was voted the best goalkeeper for the league in the 2021-2022 season.
The Mother City outfit had hoped to use his experience in the CAF Champions League.
