Portsmouth have completed the signing of John Viafara from Colombian side Once Caldas, after he passed a medical at Fratton Park. The 26-year-old midfielder, who is believed to have cost �1.6m, was a long-term target for Pompey and is a regular in his national team.
"A couple of years ago Once Caldas did not win things but are now well known in Colombia," said Viafara.
"Why can't Portsmouth do the same? Joining them is a dream for me."
Viafara was a key player as unfancied Once won South America's top club competition - the Copa Libertadores - last season.
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie was delighted by the capture of Viafara.
"We have signed another top-class player," said Storrie "John is a box-to-box player and very competitive."
Viafara, who becomes Pompey's third summer signing after Newcastle duo Laurent Robert and Andy O'Brien, said the move fulfils a dream to play in Europe.
"When I look at where I come from and where I am now, I believe that I am a winner, I am a winner in football," said Viafara.
"This is my great dream and I see it being carried out.
"I always thought that the best thing that could happen to me was to play in Europe.
"And if it was in England even better, because I like the fast football, the velocity and the constant movement."
Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric said the signing was another example of the club's growing status.
"This is another great signing for the club," said Mandaric. "We are adding some real quality to our existing squad.
"As with our other pre-season signings we have again seen off competition from top clubs to sign John and that is a real statement from others about the direction they see the club heading.
"We have really got to work this month in strengthening our squad and John's signing is a further big indicator of our ambitions as the club contemplates its third season in the Premier League."
MMIX
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This is another great signing for the club
Match of the Day - Post-match interviews