Rafael Carioca thrilled to join Spartak

Grêmio Foot-ball Porto Alegrense defensive midfielder Rafael Carioca admitted "it has always been my dream to play in Europe" after linking up with UEFA Cup contenders FC Spartak Moskva on a five-year contract.

'Even better'
The 19-year-old Rafael Carioca has played 37 league games for Grêmio since making his debut in April and quickly came to the attention of Spartak. "We have been looking at him since the summer and he has got even better since then," said general manager Valeri Karpin. The youngster will officially join Spartak in January, and could be playing UEFA Cup football in the spring if the side manage to scrape into the Round of 32. Michael Laudrup's team must get a better result at Tottenham Hotspur FC on Thursday than NEC Nijmegen can manage at home against Udinese Calcio, else claim a more emphatic win or a much higher scoring draw.