Brazil international Ricardinho has arrived on Teesside after joining Middlesbrough on loan.
The 27-year-old, who was part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning squad, revealed his delight at the move.
"I've been looking to play in England for two years, this is very exciting for me," said Ricardinho.
"Although my contract is only to the end of the season, I hope to impress the manager enough to earn myself a contract beyond that."
Ricardinho cancelled his deal with Sao Paulo in January as he sought a lucrative move abroad.
The midfielder, who has won 10 caps for his country, will join compatriots Juninho and Doriva at the Riverside Stadium.
And he admitted that his fellow Brazilians had said "only good things" about the town and the set-up.
"I'm very, very happy to join Middlesbrough.
"I need five or six days training to get my fitness to the right level, but I hope I will be available for selection on Saturday," he told the club's official website.
Boro boss Steve McClaren professed his delight at signing a World Cup winner.
"He has 10 caps and has played at the top clubs," said McClaren.
"I've seen him and he comes well-recommended by Juninho and Doriva, and we're a little bit short in the central midfield area.
"He's got a good pedigree, and it's a little bit like the Doriva one, which we signed at the 11th-hour last January - and I hope he's as successful as Doriva has been for us."
Boro boss Steve McClaren missed out on his main transfer targets, Emile Heskey and Mark Viduka, before the window closed.
And time ran out on his bid to make Danny Mills' loan move from Leeds permanent.