Hulk and Witsel join to Zenit!!

Hulk is a Zenit player!

Brazilian national team forward Givanildo Vieira de Souza, nicknamed Hulk, will be continuing his career in St. Petersburg. Zenit signed Hulk to a 5 year contract on Monday evening, September 3rd. Hulk will play for Zenit as number 29.

Givanildo Vieira de Souza, commonly known as Hulk (he got his nickname from his father in honor of the famous comic book character), was born on July 25, 1986, in the city of Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.

Hulk started his football career at the age of 16 for Vitória, then moved in February, 2005, to the Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale on loan, in the second Japanese league. There Hulk scored 25 goals in 38 matches. Hulk then moved to Tokyo Verdy, where he scored another 44 goals in 55 matches.

Hulk then went to Porto in July, 2008. He won the Portuguese league title three times in Porto, and also won the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup, as well the Europa League title.

Hulk debuted in the Brazilian national team on November 14th, 2009, and played 14 matches for the national side, scoring 5 goals. He also took part in this summer`s Olympic Games in London, winning a silver medal and scoring in the final vs. Mexico.

Hulk can play as a center forward or as a right or left winger.

FC Zenit welcomes Hulk to St. Petersburg and wishes him success in his new team!

Axel Witsel is coming to St. Petersburg!

Zenit continues to strengthen its side. Zenit will also be joined by Belgian halfback Axel Witsel, who earlier played for Benfica of Portugal. Witsel`s contract is for a term of five years.

Axel Thomas Witsel was born on January 12, 1989, in Liège, Belgium.

Witsel made his debut with Standard Liège at the age of 17 on September 17, 2006. Witsel was named the young player of the year in Belgium in the 2007/2008 season, and the league player of the year. Witsel twice won the Belgian league and Super Cup, and won the Belgian Cup once.

Witsel moved to Benfica on July 13, 2011. He won the Portuguese League Cup with Benfica.

Witsel debuted for the Belgian national team on March 26, 2008.

Witsel can play both as a central halfback and on the wing, which makes him a universal player in the offensive line.

FC Zenit welcomes Axel Witsel to St. Petersburg and wishes him success in his new tea