Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Panathinaikos: As Cisse and Silva depart, Toche and Vitolo come in
















Panathinaikos have moved to fill the gaps left by the departures of Djibril Cisse and Gilberto Silva by completing the transfers of two Spaniards, Toche (pictured) and Victor Vitolo.

Both players have signed three year contracts although financial details were not revealed.

The 28-year-old Toche, real name Jose Verdu Nicolas, arrives from the Spanish second division side Cartagena, where he scored 35 goals in 74 appearances. His modest background will raise eyebrows over whether he is a sufficient replacement for Cisse who has moved to Lazio.


The 29-year-old Vitolo has a more impressive record, having played in the top flight in Spain for Racing Santander as well as in the Greek Super League with Aris and PAOK. He was a member of the Spain side that reached the final of Under-20 World Cup in 2003.


The defensive midfielder will be expected to fill the boots of the former Brazil captain Gilberto Silva who has returned home to play for Gremio.


Panathinaikos face an awkward tie against Denmark's Odense in the third qualifying round of this year's Champions League, with the first leg to be played next week.


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