Soccer star Ricardo Bernardino looks at move to Portugal

ST ANDREWS soccer star Ricardo Bernardino returned from training spells in Europe with a big decision to make.

2013.02.01 Roc

ST ANDREWS soccer star Ricardo Bernardino returned from training spells with European powerhouses Liverpool FC, Acad aacmica and SL Benfica faced with a major decision.

The 14-year-old toured Europe late last year and was offered a place with Portuguese club Acad aacmica's youth team, which would require a family move to Coimbra, Portugal.

"Acad aacmica's youth coach told me to come back after every training session and, at the end of the trip, he told Dad I had a spot in the side," Bernardino said.

The 2012 Australian Joeys squad member was excited his parents were contemplating the move to Portugal to assist him.

"The coach said if I performed well I would be a chance of playing in Acad aacmica's first-grade side," Bernardino said.

"If I made a name in the Primeira Liga it would be great for my career."

Bernardino's tour also included training stints with Portuguese side SL Benfica, as well as English Premier League giants Liverpool FC, where he scored a goal during a trial match.

Bernardino said his training with the Liverpool youth team was highly competitive.

"There is so much talent in England and everyone wants to fight for their spot. But the Portuguese players treated me like family."