Sampdoria have swooped for Universidad de Chile winger Matias Rodriguez.

The 26 year-old came close to joining Manchester City in the summer.

"On Thursday I was told about the interest of Sampdoria and it's an opportunity that comes only once in your life," Rodriguez said.

"I immediately had a meeting with the officials and the coach Dario Franci and they said to me that I had to take advantage of this chance.

"The board also has a very good relationship with me, they understood my position."