PORTUGAL
The rise and fall of Jackson Martinez as he signs for Portimonense
The Colombian striker has moved to the Portuguese league on a one season loan from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.
Portimonense sit at the foot of the Portuguese top flight with the side from the Algarve having just claimed one point on the first four opening games with just three goals scored in the current campaign.
Hope for a twist in fate comes in the shape of Jackson Martinez with the Colombian striker moving to Portugal on a season long loan deal from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.
Martinez initially came to the attention of many big Europe clubs following his performances with FC Porto, where he finished as the Primeira Liga's leading goal scorer for three consecutive seasons from 2013-15.
An impressive 2014 World Cup saw the Colombian secure a big money transfer deal to Atletico Madrid moving to Spain for a fee of €35 million. A poor spell in the Spanish capital saw the Colombian striker unable to settle in La Liga.
After half a season at Atlético that saw just three goals in 22 appearances,Guangzhou Evergrande threw Martínez a lifeline in exchange for 12 million euros a season. The forward also failed to deliver in China, netting just four times in 16 games over a two-year period.
Guangzhou decided to cancel his contract last February and immediately removed all mention of the forward from the club website.
Speculation that the forward was destined to move to Liga MX and Sporting Club de Portugal never materialised and modest Portimonense now throw the Colombian a lifeline to kick-start his career again. The striker is expected to play a role as António Folha's men face Vitoria at home this weekend in Liga Nos.
