Argentina´s ´clown´ set to sign for Benfica

Argentinian international midfielder Pablo Aimar is set to sign for Portuguese giants Benfica from relegated Spanish First Division side Real Zaragoza.

The 28-year-old – nicknamed 'the clown' and capped over 50 times by his country as well as being a veteran of two World Cup final tournaments – will sign a four year contract while Benfica will pay Real 7.5million euros according to Radio Renascenca.

“Happily throughout my career I have been able to choose where I play,” Aimar was quoted as saying on leaving the Zragoza training camp by the A Bola website.

“I had other offers but I always wanted to come to Benfica,” added Aimar, who played for Benfica coach Quique Flores during his six year spell at Valencia.

Real Zaragoza also indicated that the deal had been agreed between the two clubs.

“Everything has been sorted out between the two clubs and so he (Aimar) has gone to meet the Benfica directors,” Zaragoza director of communications Luis Sol told internet site MaisFutebol.