Víctor wins Panathinaikos deal

Panathinaikos FC have announced the signing of former Spanish international midfielder Víctor Sánchez on a free transfer from RC Deportivo La Coruña.

Two-year deal
Víctor is said to have agreed a two-year contract and brings with him a wealth of experience as the Greek side prepare to embark on a UEFA Cup campaign. The 30-year-old came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid CF and played 65 league games for the Merengues, proving a useful source of goals and a threat on the wing. He won the Spanish title with Madrid in his first full season in 1996/97 as well as the UEFA Champions League the following May, but it was at Depor that he really made his mark.

Pivotal role
Víctor moved to the Riazor after impressing Depor coach Javier Irureta during his solitary campaign at Real Racing Club Santander, 1998/99, and went on to make 210 league appearances for the Galicians over seven seasons. He had a pivotal role as Depor were crowned champions in 2000, and then again in 2002 when he returned to the Santiago Bernabéu to help Depor defeat Madrid to lift the Copa del Rey. Panathinaikos's signing of Víctor softens the blow of losing playmaker Ezequiel González to a serious knee injury last week. Víctor follows on the heels of Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Bóvio who arrived in Athens on a 12-month loan from Málaga CF on Sunday.