Fenerbahçe bring in free agent Diego

Turkish champions Fenerbahçe SK have signed attacking midfielder Diego on a three-year contract.

The 29-year-old former Brazilian international was a free agent following the expiry of his short-term deal with Spanish title holders Club Atlético de Madrid. Diego said of the move to Istanbul: "There have been attempts to bring me here in the past, so now I can say it's a dream come true. I have many friends who played in Turkey and for Fenerbahçe – they really praised the fans who they regarded as very passionate and influential."

At Fenerbahçe, Diego should fill the gap caused by the departure of compatriot and fellow playmaker Alex in October 2012. After leaving Santos FC in 2004, the schemer has represented FC Porto, SV Werder Bremen, Juventus, VfL Wolfsburg and Atlético. The 33-times international contributed to Atlético's 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the 2012 UEFA Europa League final during his first spell on loan from Wolfsburg.

He also spent the second half of last season in the Spanish capital, making 13 Liga outings for the Rojiblancos and scoring a vital away goal against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.