Football
ESPN staff 9y

Lucas Barrios presented, becomes Palmeiras' 24th signing of 2015

SAO PAULO -- Paraguayan international striker Lucas Barrios has been officially introduced to Palmeiras fans after signing a three-year contract with the Brazilian club.

Barrios says he arrives with "great expectations" to succeed with Palmeiras, who have the most national championships in Brazil.

He said Thursday he is excited to join a club where he will "have an opportunity to fight for titles."

Barrios scored three goals for Paraguay in the Copa America, helping his nation finish fourth in the South American competition.

The 30-year-old striker previously played for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, Spartak Moscow in Russia and Montpellier in France.

Barrios, who was born in Argentina, is the 24th player signed by the popular Sao Paulo club, who avoided relegation in the last game of the season last year, in 2015.

The burly forward will wear No. 10 in place of Chilean playmaker Jorge Valdivia, who will leave the club for UAE-based club Al Wahda in August.

"The No. 10 was Jorge's, who was a great player. I know, I spoke with him, he is a big star of the club. I can say that I'll try to give my best with this shirt," Barrios told gathered media.

"I come to add, not to be the star," he continued. "It's a new project and I am very excited."

The club had been in the midst of austerity measures as their sparkling new stadium, Allianz Parque, was being built.

The state-of-the-art venue was completed at the end of last season and has since provided the club the revenue to spend big on reinforcing the squad, helping O Verdao sign players such as former Brazil international Ze Roberto and ex-Copa Libertadores winner Arouca among many others.

With the investment, Palmeiras currently sit seventh in the 20-team Brazilian league standings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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