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Paraguay striker Barrios set for Gremio debut

Xinhua, March 2, 2017 Adjust font size:

Paraguay international striker Lucas Barrios could make his debut for Gremio on Saturday after completing his move from Brazilian rivals Palmeiras.

The 32-year-old declared himself physically fit for Saturday's clash against Porto Alegre rivals Internacional despite limited first-team opportunities over the past 18 months.

"I feel good physically and I promise to work hard just like I have with all the teams that I've played for," Barrios told a press conference on Wednesday.

"When you work hard, the goals come. If I can play on Saturday it would be fantastic. I'm comfortable with the decision that I made. I want to make the fans happy and I know how much this game means to them."

Despite his high profile arrival at Palmeiras in June 2015, Barrios scored just 14 goals in 45 matches for the Sao Paulo club. He was used sparingly by coach Cuca last season as teenager Gabriel Jesus led the attack to guide the team to their first Brazilian Serie A title since 1994.

"I had more than a year and a half left on my (Palmeiras) contract but I accepted a pay cut to come to Gremio," said Barrios, who has been capped 34 times for Paraguay.

"There are times in life when you have to prioritize other things. The club showed that they wanted me here and I was grateful for that." Endit