,h3>Hugo Viana is finally on his way out of Newcastle, on a one-year deal to Sporting Lisbon.
Months of uncertainty – in which the former European Young Player of the Year was linked with every top Portugese club – have been ended by the Magpies announcement.
A reciprocal agreement, part of the deal that took Viana from Sporting to Newcastle in 2002, gave Sporting first option on Viana should the Tyneside club decide to loan him out.
The move suits the 21 year-old after the difficulty he’s had adapting to the English game.
“I’m very happy to return to Portugal and be back at Sporting,” he said.
“Today is a very happy day for me. It was important for me to return to a club that I know well.”
It’s thought Newcastle manager Bobby Robson was reluctant to let Viana go, but the loan deal and Gary Speed’s move to Bolton may open the way for Nicky Butt’s arrival at St James Park from Manchester United.
