Šokota says goodbye to Benfica

SL Benfica's Croatian international forward Tomislav Šokota has left the club, chairman Luís Filipe Vieira said on Wednesday night.

Contract ended early
The 27-year-old forward's contract with the Portuguese UEFA Cup contenders was due to expire at the end of the current season, but Vieira said the club had decided to terminate the contract early. "Benfica are not interested in renewing the contract with Šokota so the connection between the player and the club is now terminated," said the Benfica chairman. "We'd like to thank Šokota for all his professionalism and commitment and we know he has found a new club. Nothing is forever and there is always a time to say goodbye."

Second departure
Šokota, who has scored twice in eight international matches and started all three of Croatia's matches at UEFA EURO 2004™, joined the Lisbon side in 2001/02 and went on to score 21 goals in 60 league appearances for Benfica. He becomes the second high-profile player to leave the club in as many days following Zlatko Zahovic's departure on Tuesday, although his next destination is still unknown.