Henrique Araújo is already in England, where he will play for Watford, of the Championship, second division, where he was welcomed with open arms. The 20-year-old striker, on loan from Benfica until the end of the season, without an option-to-buy clause, left without speaking to reporters. But Croatia coach Slaven Bilic did not mince words in praising Henrique Araujo.

As soon as his name was suggested, I immediately fell in love with him. I fell in love with the baby, with his movement, with everything. We wanted to sign him, I’m sure he’ll help us. You won’t play tomorrow [hoje, receção ao Rotherham]but she will be available for the Middlesbrough match [fora, no próximo sábado]Says Bilic, who had a decisive contribution to re-launching Filip Krovinovic’s career at West Bromwich Albion.

Now, at Watford, seeded third and aiming for promotion to the English Premier League, the Croatian coach hopes to contribute to the development of Henrique Araujo’s career. “He is a young man from Benfica. And we know that Benfica is a club that produces players who, when they reach the age of 23/24/25, come to England for 50, 60, 70 or even 100 million pounds. [57,1, 68,5, 80 e 114 ,2 milhões de euros]. He is one of those! He trained at Benfica, played for the B team, and is an under-21 international. It’s almost impossible to start with the number 9 when you’re only 20. I am really excited because there is no doubt about his talent. It’s a very positive signature. I want to use it as soon as possible. I expect a lot from him, ”Bilic shared.