Zaragoza bolster squad with Galletti signing
Monday, August 6, 2001
Article summary
Real Zaragoza have completed the signing of Argentinian forward Luciano Martín Galletti for €5.41m from Estudiantes de la Plata ahead of their imminent UEFA Cup campaign.
Article body
Real Zaragoza have completed the signing of Argentinian forward Luciano Martín Galletti for €5.41m from Estudiantes de la Plata ahead of their imminent UEFA Cup campaign.
New recruit
The 21-year-old, who is the Zaragoza's fourth new recruit of the season, has signed a five-year contract with last season's Spanish Cup winners. Despite his youth, Galletti already has experience of European football, having played for two seasons with Italian side Parma AC.
Welcome news
He made the full Argentina squad for the recent FIFA Copa America, but missed his opportunity to play for his country when they decided to withdraw from the tournament. Galletti's presence in the squad will come as welcome news to coach José Francisco Rojo Arroitia, who has been looking to cover the gap left by injured striker Goran Drulic.
Six months
The Yugoslav international, who joined Zaragoza from FK Crvena Zvezda for a club record fee of $10.9 million in July, tore the cruciate ligament in his knee in one of his first training sessions and will be sidelined for at least six months.
Surprise victory
Zaragoza qualified for this season's UEFA Cup after completing a surprise 3-1 victory over favourites RC Celta de Vigo in the Spanish Cup final in June.