Irish winger Cristiano Fitzgerald signs for Estrela da Amadora

The 20-year-old has joined the top division Portuguese side who are owned by Patrice Evra.

The former Irish U-19 international had been training with Dundalk earlier this month with a possible loan being discussed but a deal never materialised. 

He has returned to Portugal to sign on a two-and-half-year-deal for a side who are currently in a relegation battle. 

The winger spent five years in the Boavista academy and signed professional contract with the club in September 2022. 

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Fitzgerald stated the club having a U-23 team was a big factor for him signing for Estrela da Amadora.

"It’s a good club. I met the people and they are really nice, and the whole project itself feels like a really good set-up for me.”

“I am registered with the first-team, so I can play with them, but to have a 23s and be able to play football every week is also something I really wanted and is something I didn’t have at Boavista, which was unfortunate.

“Having that opportunity here at Estrela is amazing”. 

Fitzgerald hopes this move will see him earn a call up to the Republic of Ireland U-21 squad. 

“I have said this before and I’ll say it again, my ambition is to play with the Irish Under-21s and eventually with the Irish first-team, and that thinking is part of why I made this move as well”.

Fitzgerald is born in Singapore but is eligible for the Republic of Ireland through his Limerick born father, Michael.

Elsewhere, former Irish U-21 international Zack Elbouzedi signed for Swindon on loan for the rest of the season from AIK.

Jonathan Afolabi scores first goal for KV Kortrijk https://t.co/qN5Jt1L8uMpic.twitter.com/izumrRgU6Q

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 31, 2024