Ivanschitz agrees Athens switch
Monday, August 14, 2006
Article summary
Greek giants Panathinaikos FC have signed the Austria captain Andreas Ivanschitz in a two-year loan deal from Bundesliga leaders FC Salzburg.
Article body
Panathinaikos FC have confirmed that they have signed Austria captain Andreas Ivanschitz on a two-year loan from FC Salzburg.
'Top team'
The 22-year-old midfielder has secured the move after eleven days of talks between the clubs, with Panathinaikos being coached by former Salzburg boss Hans Backe. Ivanschitz said: "Panathinaikos are a top European team and I will have to prove myself there. I was very happy at Salzburg and the fans there have been promised that one day I will be back."
Rapid service
Injuries limited Ivanschitz to 13 league appearances in his 18-month stay in Salzburg. He had previously played 147 games for his first club SK Rapid Wien, scoring 25 goals. He will fill the shoes of Ezequiel González as the Argentinian playmaker will only return from a knee problem sustained in a recent friendly in January 2007.
Darlas staying
Panathinaikos, who will compete in the first round of the UEFA Cup, have also extended Greece defender Filippos Darlas's contract by five years. The 22-year-old broke into the side last term following a series of loans elsewhere.