Insúa aims to inspire Bursaspor

Turkish champions Bursaspor have signed Argentinian midfielder Federico Insúa from Mexican side Club América.

The 30-year-old playmaker has signed a contract running until 2012 with Bursaspor, who thanks to their first Turkish title last season are preparing to make their UEFA Champions League group-stage debut. Capped 14 times by Argentina, Insúa's career has taken him to AA Argentinos Juniors, CA Independiente, Málaga CF, CA Boca Juniors, VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, América and Club Necaxa.

Insúa, who spent last season back on loan at Boca – having prevoius helped them win the 2005 Apertura, Recopa Sudamericana and Copa Sudamericana – said: "I have played in three different countries besides Argentina before, but I think it will be quiet different in Turkey with Bursaspor. I believe I will hang up my boots here."

He made no secret that UEFA Champions League football had lured him to the club. "I would like to thank my new team-mates and coach for their title success and helping me compete in such a prestigious competition," he said. "This is the reason I am here. It's a dream to take part in the Champions League for every player and my dream came true."

Meanwhile, Bursaspor's penalty-taking Bulgarian international goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov has signed a one-year extension to his contract which expired at the end of May. The 34-year-old, who converted five spot kicks last season, said: "I'll go on protecting the champions' goal for another season. My plan for next season is to score more goals than in the previous one."