Benfica sign Gomes

Gomes spent two season at Fiorentina

Portuguese international Nuno Gomes has signed a four-year-contract with Benfica after being released by Italian club Fiorentina.

The 26-year-old became a free agent after cash-strapped Fiorentina were relegated to the Italian Third Division and placed in the hands of administrators.

Report: Fiorentina facing bleak future

Gomes, returns to Benfica where he spent three seasons, scoring 58 goals, before moving to Italy in 2000.

The striker was presented to a 50,000 crowd at half-time in the Luz stadium during a friendly against Brazilian side Gremio.

Gomes said: "I am returning under sad circumstances for Fiorentina and the people of Florence.

"I decided to opt for Benfica because it is a club that I know, that always treated me well and because it was the club that showed the most interest in me.

Benfica are Portugal's most successful club, but they have not won a league championship since 1993 and will not be playing in Europe next season.

And Fiorentina defender Daniele Adani has signed a three-year deal with Inter Milan.