Sunderland defender leaves for Spain

Sunderland have confirmed that defender Paulo Da Silva has completed his move to Spanish side Real Zaragoza for an undisclosed fee.

The Paraguay international, an integral part of their World Cup campaign in South Africa last summer, moved to the Stadium of Light from Mexican club Toluca in the summer of 2009 and made 20 appearances during his first season on Wearside.

But the 30-year-old has found opportunities harder to come by this term, enjoying just three first-team outings, and will now switch to the Primera Division with 15th-placed Zaragoza.

A statement on the Sunderland website said: “Paraguayan defender Paulo Da Silva has joined Spanish side Real Zaragoza.

“Real have paid an undisclosed fee for the 30-year-old, who impressed for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.”