OXFORD United have signed Brazilian left back Ricardinho on a one-year contract.

The 32-year-old, whose full name is Ricardo Ferreira da Silva, flew in from Sao Paulo this morning.

He travelled straight to United and put pen-to-paper on the deal, which is subject to international clearance and has the option of an additional 12 months based on the number of appearances he makes this season.

Ricardinho has spent the last three seasons playing in Azerbaijan for Gabala, but has worked with U’s boss Pep Clotet before.

The Spaniard was a coach at Malmo in 2010, when they won the Swedish top-flight title together.

Ricardinho, who spent five seasons playing in Scandinavia, said: “I’m so happy to be here.

“We started talking on Sunday and then it was very fast.

“I’ve had no time because I had to fix some things in Brazil and we fixed the flight on Wednesday.”

The signing fills a problem area for United, who have looked at several left back options during pre-season.

But while he has been training in Brazil for the past month, Ricardinho will not be considered for Saturday’s Sky Bet League One opener at Oldham Athletic.

Clotet said: “He said he was OK, it was only a 15-hour flight, but I think it’s better he focuses on settling in and gets ready for next week.

“He’s a quick left back and is very good going forward.

“He can deal very well with physical sides and he’s a good character.”