Benfica president Rui Costa: Alvaro Fernandez now our player

Benfica president Rui Costa has officially confirmed one of their first summer signings.

Costa announced the signing of Manchester United left-back Alvaro Fernandez.

The defender was on loan at the Portuguese giants since January, playing 14 games.

Speaking to media, reported by ZeroZero, Costa said: "Alvaro is confirmed, he is another one of those talents in which we have great hope that he will have a very worthy career."

Benfica did have an option within the contract to secure him permanently, which they have done so.

The left-back spent the first half of the season on loan at Spanish side Granada.