Sports

Costa Rica captain Ruiz joins Sporting Lisbon

Costa Rica captain Ruiz joins Sporting Lisbon

By REUTERS

Costa Rica's Bryan Ruiz gestures during their 2014 World Cup round of 16 game against Greece at the Pernambuco arena in Recife June 29, 2014. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (BRAZIL - Tags: SOCCER SPORT WORLD CUP)

LISBON: Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz has joined Sporting Lisbon from Fulham on a three-year contract which includes a 60 million euros ($66.16 million) buyout clause, the Portuguese club said on its website. Apart from a six-month loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last year, the 29-year-old attacking midfielder spent four seasons at Fulham, the last in the second tier of English football. Ruiz played a key role in Costa Rica's run to the quarter-finals at the World Cup last year, scoring the winner in their 1-0 victory over Italy and in the 1-1 draw with Greece in the round of 16, a game his side won on penalties. 'It's a wonderful opportunity,' said Ruiz on Twitter. Sporting finished third in the Portuguese league last season but pulled off a major coup by signing coach Jorge Jesus from arch-rivals and champions Benfica.