Shimizu S-Pulse on Tuesday announced the signing of Brazilian defender Leandro Freire de Araujo.

The 27-year-old joins on a full transfer from Portugal’s Chaves, where he has made 18 appearances this season. 

Freire appeared in the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League with Cypriot side Apollon and has also played in Kazakhstan.

“It’s been my dream to play in Japan and Shimizu S-Pulse have granted it,” the Sao Paulo native commented. 

“I want to focus all of my efforts to help the team accomplish our goals and hope you will support us.”