17 July 2007, by Marco Pereira

Benfica offload Moretto

Brazilian goalkeeper signs for AEK Athens

Benfica have offloaded goalkeeper Moretto to Greek side, AEK Athens, on a year-long loan with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

Speculation had been rife all summer that the club were looking to get rid of the Brazilian after his highly indifferent form since his acquisition in January 2006.

Moretto is happy with the move as he had been seeking more playing time falling down the pecking order in Fernando Santos’ choice of goalkeepers, behind Quim and Moreira.

“I let the club’s directors know that I wanted to leave in order to play more often, but only to a club that participated in Europe and challenged for their championship. AEK meet these conditions and I feel very satisfied,” said Moretto.

With a vacancy now opening up in the squad, Benfica have immediately snapped up Jorg Butt as Moretto’s replacement. The 33-year-old German comes on a free transfer after having rescinded his contract with Bayer Leverkusen and has signed a two-year deal for the Lisbon club.