LISBON - BENFICA has signed striker Javier Saviola from Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old Argentina striker has joined the Portuguese club for three seasons - with an option for a fourth - in a deal worth euro5 million (S$10 million), Benfica said on its Web site.

Saviola fell increasingly out of favour during his second season at the Santiago Bernabeu after joining from Barcelona, scoring one goal in eight appearances.

Saviola scored 12 goals in 44 games for Argentina. -- AP