THE midfielder of the Palmeiras soccer team, Martinez, signed yesterday a one-year deal to play with the Japanese soccer team of Cerezo Osaka.

Along with Martinez, Granja is leaving Palmeiras to play in Italy.

Another Brazilian to be joining Martinez at the Japanese team is Thiago Martinelli, who played with Cruzeiro during the 2008 season. He signed a deal to play with Cerezo Osaka throughout the 2009 season.

The head coach at Cerezo Osaka is Levir Culpi.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Palmeiras' head coach, announced earlier this month that the 28-year-old Martinez would not be a part of the 2009 roster at Palmeiras. This led the player to look for options abroad.

The information of the player's hiring was disclosed by agent Gilmar Rinaldi.

Other players to leave the Palmeiras are Leandro, who has signed a deal with Porto, and Denilson, who is rumored to be heading to Europe to continue his career.