Former Barcelona man on his way to Athens.
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Javier Saviola has signed for Greek side Olympiacos following his release from Spanish side Malaga according to Sky Sports.
The 31 year-old striker penned a two-year deal with the Greek champions, after completing his medical today. It is thought the prospect of playing with Spanish boss Michel was a definitive factor with the move, after he took over at the Athens based side in January.
Former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker, Saviola, will wear the number nine jersey for the eighth club he has professionally signed for [River Plate, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Monaco, Benfica and Malaga]. Although it wasn’t always clear where his future lay, as Brazilian side Santos and his former club River Plate, both made attempts to bring the veteran to them.
With previous Champions League experience, the forward is ideal for the Greek champions as they get another chance to compete in the biggest competition in Europe.
Back in 2001, Saviola joined Spanish giants Barcelona for a staggering £15million as a 19 year-old, from his boyhood club [River Plate], after successful loans spells with Monaco [before they went on a rampant spending spree] and Sevilla.
In 2007, Real Madrid snapped up the Argentine on a free transfer but it was fairly unsuccessful, and he was later sold to Portuguese giants Benfica – in 2009.
Finally, he returned to La Liga with Manuel Pellegrini’s Malaga, reaching the Champions League quarter finals – losing to German side Borussia Dortmund. He managed an impressive eight goals during his 19 starts for the club, which ultimately caught the eye of the Greek champions.