Perth Glory has added a touch of South American flair to their squad for the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League season with the signing of 'Andrezinho'.
The Brazilian, whose name in full is Andre Luiz Rodigues Lopes, has joined his new team mates in South Africa as a replacement for the injured Victor Sikora.
The former Dutch international has again been forced onto the sidelines and placed on the long term injury list.
"It's a real shame because Victor is an exciting player, a player who can change games," Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said.
"Andrezinho is actually a player we tried to get last season.
"We kept tabs on him and are now delighted to have him at Perth Glory.
The 26-year-old, is a left footed, attacking midfielder who can play wide on the left or right.
He represented Brazil six times at U-20 level in 2004.
Andrezinho has recently been playing in Japan with Consadole Sapporo and in China with Liaoning Hongyun.
"He's a player with pace. He's exciting and direct and exactly what i have been looking for," Ferguson added.
Chris Coyne agrees with the coach, having playing with Andrezinho at Liaoning.
"Andre is an excellent signing," Coyne said.
"He's positive, quick and has a bag of tricks.
"He'll entertain the fans just like he did when we played together in China."
