Hearts sign up striker
by Brian Etherson, 06 May 2008
Hearts have signed Mauricio Pinilla on a new three-year contract after they triggered an option to buy the player outright from Inter.
Hearts and Inter jointly owned the player with both sides paying an equal share of his £12,000-a-week wage, but now the Gorgie side own the player outright.
The three-year contract also includes an option of a fourth year if Hearts want to extend his deal and it is understood the terms of the new deal is very similar to that of his previous contract although it is closer to a performance pay related agreement.
The striker has had to cope with a series of injuries and psychological problems this season but club owner Vladimir Romanov still believes the Chilean hit-man could offer a substantial return on the investment.
Recently Pinilla stated his desire to return to Chile to be closer to his two year-old daughter and to spend more time with her, but now it seems the player has assessed the situation and is now tied to the club until 2011 which was confirmed by the player’s agent in Santiago.
"Mauricio has signed for another three years,” said Hugo Rubio. “He is happy and is looking forward to staying in Scotland.”