The Flamengo soccer team announced on Thursday the departure of striker Paulo Sergio.

Unable to find ground on the starting roster, head coach Rogerio Lourenco allowed the player the chance to play for Portugal's Estoril.

Paulo Sergio scored what would be the winning goal against Botafogo on July 15 in the 8th round of the Brazilian Championship, marking the return to tournament action after an interruption due to the World Cup in South Africa.

The striker will be loaned to Estoril for one year. He came up through the Flamengo Juniors' team, leading the Juniors to the 2006 Rio de Janeiro state title. He turned professional the next year, only to be loaned to Figueirense during the 2009 season. After returning to Flamengo in 2010, Lourenco was not fully satisfied with the player's abilities, leading to his loan.

In Portugal, Paulo Sergio will look to make a name for himself and gain experience.

Rogerio Lourenco now has at his disposition the following strikers: Val Baiano, Marquinhos, Diego Mauricio and Cristian Borja. The coach also has the possibility of using midfielder Vinicius Pacheco up front.