Vancouver extends Camilo's contract

The contract dispute between the Vancouver Whitecaps and star Brazilian forward Camilo has been resolved.

The Major League Soccer club announced Wednesday that it has successfully renegotiated the contract of Camilo, the team's MVP from a season ago.

"He had an outstanding first season with us and will be an important part of our squad for years to come," Whitecaps coach Martine Rennie said in a news release.

"Camilo can play up front as a striker or as a wide attacking midfielder. He's got plenty of pace and skill, plus a real nose for goal. He's also a big threat on set-pieces in and around the opposition's penalty box."

A 23-year-old native of Presidente Prudente, Camilo signed with the Whitecaps prior to the start of the 2011 MLS campaign following a pre-season tryout. The Brazilian went on to become one of Vancouver's best players, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, including one goal in four appearances during last year's Canadian club championship.

"I am really enjoying my time in Vancouver and the support of the Whitecaps FC fans. I aim to build on all that I achieved last season and help Whitecaps FC become a top club in MLS and the CONCACAF region," Camilo said in a news release.

Both sides are saying the right things now, but it wasn't that long ago that Camilo let it be known he was unhappy. The Brazilian earned $133,545 US last season in the first year of his contract, and the club had options for up to four years.

Despite being under contract, he posted comments on his official Twitter page last December that he wanted his deal renegotiated.

"Hey guys, I'm sad because I do not feel valued for what I did last season," Camilo tweeted.

Whitecaps president Bobby Lenarduzzi recently told The Province newspaper that the club was not pressured into renegotiating the Brazilian's contract out of fear that they might lose him to another team.

"There was nothing to be resolved," Lenarduzzi said. "Camilo is under contract.

"From our perspective, we wanted to reward him. We were prepared to renegotiate the contract based on the season he had last year."

Keeping the Brazilian is a major coup for the Whitecaps, who on Monday added to their attacking depth by acquiring Frenchman Sebastien Le Toux in a trade with the Philadelphia Union.

Not only did Camilo supply goals, but he also served as the Whitecaps' chief playmaker last season, and was one of the few bright spots on a Vancouver side that finished in last place. Plus, at 23, he's a player who has tremendous upside and could become the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.

In Camilo, the newly acquired Sebastien Le Toux and Eric Hassli, the Whitecaps are currently the only MLS team to boast three forwards who scored at least 10 goals last season.

Vancouver is not lacking for forwards, as Omar Salgado (the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft), Darren Mattocks (the No. 2 pick in this year's draft) and Etienne Barbara (last year's NASL-scoring leader and league MVP) are all on the roster. They also have Long Tan and Atiba Harris, two members of last year's squad.

Prior to joining Whitecaps, Camilo enjoyed stints spells with South Korean K-League side Gyeongnam FC and Qormi FC in the Maltese Premier League. Camilo began his career in his native Brazil with Sport Club Corinthians Alagoano.