Author: Shreyas Sharma
Italian-Brazilian defender Luiz Felipe has said goodbye to Real Betis and is ready to embark on an exciting new journey with Al-Ittihad. The highly-regarded central defender, known for his impressive performances in European soccer, recently completed his move to the Saudi club, signing a three-year contract.
During his brief but impactful time at Real Betis, Luiz Felipe left an unshakeable mark on both the fans and the pitch. Despite his relatively short time in Spain, he expressed deep gratitude for the support of the fans and the memorable moments he shared with his teammates. Although Betis didn’t win any trophies during his stay, they did have a successful season, qualifying for the Europa League.
Luiz Felipe’s arrival at Betis was at the request of Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo, who has long admired the defender’s technical talent. The 26-year-old previously had a successful five-year spell at Lazio, where he won three titles. His good form continued when he joined Betis, earning him a place in La Liga’s revelation team last season.
Now Luiz Felipe is ready for his first experience of Arab soccer, where he will join a list of top players including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Diogo Jota, Fabinho, Romarinho, Marcelo Grohe and Igor Coronado.
Speaking about his move, Luiz Felipe expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenges he will face in a new country and on a different continent. He noted the substantial investments being made in Arab soccer and promised to contribute to Al-Ittihad’s quest for titles.
Luiz Felipe’s journey has been marked by significant milestones, including his decision to accept Italian naturalization while representing Lazio. His commitment led to his inclusion in Italy’s national team, making his debut against Germany on June 14.
As Luiz Felipe brings his talents to Al-Ittihad, fans are eagerly awaiting how he will continue to make an impact on the pitch, strengthening the team’s defensive capabilities and contributing to their quest for success in Saudi Arabia’s top-flight league. His move to Arab soccer represents a new chapter in his career, full of promise, ambition and the opportunity to shine on a global stage once again.