Madrid comeback for Portillo
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Article summary
Striker Javier Portillo has cut short his loan spell with ACF Fiorentina to return to Real Madrid CF.
Article body
Morientes move
The 22-year-old agreed to spend the season on loan with the Serie A side during the summer after Michael Owen's arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu saw him fall down the pecking order, but Fernando Morientes's departure for Liverpool FC has persuaded the club to recall Portillo.
Italian spell
Madrid considered promoting striker Roberto Soldado from their B team, but have instead turned to Portillo, who holds the record for goalscoring at youth levels with Madrid. Portillo played eleven Serie A games and two Coppa Italia matches and scored once in each competition.
