LONDON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Recently promoted Premier League side Sunderland has signed former Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer.
The Mozambique international arrives as a free agent after his contract with Atletico expired at the end of June and will add his experience to the team that was promoted back to the Premier League after a dramatic win in the play-off final against Sheffield United.
31-year-old Reinildo made 99 appearances for Atletico Madrid in all competitions after signing in 2022, although he would have made more but for a serious knee injury, while last season he played 32 times, despite dropping behind Javi Galan in the pecking order.
Reinildo is able to play at both left-back and on the left of a three-man central defense and is known for his tough tackling.
"It is a dream come true because it has always been my ambition to play in the Premier League, and I can't wait to play for a historic club like Sunderland," said the player in his first declarations on the Sunderland website.
"I'm excited to meet the team, to fight, and to give everything for the club. I want to help, to give power to my teammates, and transmit my experience in the dressing room. Above all else, I want to make people happy and I will give everything to make that happen," added the defender. ■
