Sousa makes Espanyol switch

Portuguese international Paulo Sousa has signed for Spanish club RCD Espanyol until the end of the season.

Successful medical
The 31-year-old midfield player, who has passed a medical, cut short his contract with UEFA Champions League hopefuls Panathiniakos FC at the end of last year. Sousa has the option of extending his stay at Espanyol for another year after the current campaign.

Keen to play
"I am not 100 per cent because in Greece I trained badly and now I have been training alone," said Sousa, who has a long history of injury problems. "[But] I want to play as soon as possible, even on Sunday if the coach sees it as appropriate." It would be a tough match for his debut, as Espanyol welcome leaders Real Madrid CF to the Olímpico de Barcelona stadium on Sunday.

Vital role to play
Espanyol coach Francisco Flores is in no doubt that Sousa can play a vital role in helping his 17th-placed side move clear of relegation danger in the Primera División. "He is a player with experience who wants to go to the [FIFA] World Cup and who can help us," Flores said.

Second signing
Sousa, who counts SL Benfica, Sporting Clube de Portugal and Juventus FC among his former clubs, is Espanyol's second signing in as many days following the arrival of Uruguay striker Antonio Pacheco on loan from Internazionale FC.