Sliema Wanderers have pulled off a major incoming transfer through the signing of former Arsenal midfielder Denilson.

The Brazilian, who is now 32-years-old, signed with English giants Arsenal in 2006 for £5 million from Sao Paolo.  He stayed with the Gunners until 2011, playing a total of 153 games with them and scoring 10 goals in the process.

Those matches include 24 in the UEFA Champions League.

Spells back in Brazil and in the United Arab Emirates have followed since, but after being released from Botafago he will now make the trip to Malta, where he will sign for Sliema.

It is a statement of intent for a Sliema side which has been bereft of the glories it was used to in the past.

Sliema’s last major trophy victory was in 2016 when they defeated Balzan Youths on penalties to claim the FA Trophy, however they have not won a league title since the 2004/05 season – now over 15 years ago.

With 26 league titles, Sliema were for a long-time Malta’s most successful club – however with their league win last season, Floriana equalled the Wanderers on that number.  Valletta, with their numerous successes in the past years, are only one league title behind.