Patacas and Paulo Sergio join Portuguese abroad

Bulgaria and Spain the destinations for duo

As the ever-increasing contingent of footballers leaving Portugal shows no signs of slowing down, two more players have left the country to pursue new careers abroad.

Nacional defender Bruno Patacas looks set to join Bulgarian champions CSKA Sofia, while former Sporting midfielder Paulo Sergio (pictured) has left Portimonense for Spanish second division side Salamanca.

Patacas, a right-back who came through the Sporting academy during the mid-90s before spells with Lourinhanense, Santa Clara and Campomaiorense, had been with Nacional for six seasons ahead of agreeing a switch to the Bulgarian capital.

The player is currently in Sofia to undergo medical exams, after which he is expected to sign a three-year contract at the Bulgarian Army Stadium, where he will join compatriot and former Nacional team-mate Jose Rui at CSKA.

“I go with a clear conscience, because I know what I gave to Nacional da Madeira,” he said. “I am doing the best thing for me and my family. I am 30 years old and this is a better contract.”

Salamanca continue Portuguese tradition

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Paulo Sergio has been officially presented as a UD Salamanca player, signing a two-year deal after his contract with Sporting expired on June 30th and the Lisbon club released the midfielder.

Having struggled to break into the Sporting first team after coming through the ranks in the capital, Sergio had loan spells with Academica, Belenenses, Estrela da Amadora and Desportivo Aves, before finally spending last season in the second division with Portimonense.

Sergio joins fellow Portuguese, defender Vasco Fernandes, at the Estadio El Helmantico. The club has a long history of signing Portuguese players, with the most high-profile example being Pedro Pauleta’s successful two-year spell in Salamanca from 1996 to 1998.