French striker Sinama-Pongolle joins Sporting

Sporting have signed French striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle on a 3-1/2-year contract from Atletico Madrid for 6.5 million euros (9.36 million U.S. dollars), the Portuguese club said on Monday.

Sporting said in a statement that Atletico could receive up to a further 1 million euros depending on the player's performances.

The 25-year-old former Liverpool player joined Atletico from Recreativo Huelva in July 2008 and played 37 matches for the Madrid club, scoring five goals. He had also played for English clubs Liverpool, Anfield Road and Blackburn Rovers.

Sporting are fifth in the Portuguese Premier League, 12 points adrift of leaders Benfica and Braga.

Source: Xinhua