Malaga loan Lugano from Paris Saint-Germain

Jan 23, 2013 5:19:00 PM

The Uruguay international has joined the Andalusians for the remainder of the season, with a view to making the deal permanent at the end of the campaign

Malaga have loaned Paris Saint-Germain defender Diego Lugano until the end of the season.

The Andalusian side have an option to make the deal permanent if he impresses at La Rosaleda, with the Uruguay international well down the pecking order at Parc des Princes.

The Italian coach has praised the “great professionalism” of the 32-year-old ahead of his switch to La Liga, with the player failing to make a first team appearance for the club this season.

“Diego has set an example,” Ancelotti told PSG’s official website.

“I want to emphasise that he was very professional. This is a good lesson for the whole group because he worked every day with great professionalism.”

Manuel Pellegrini’s side are currently fifth in the Primera Division after taking 32 points from 20 games, with Lugano's arrival set to boost their strength in depth with the player available for both domestic and European competition.