RIO DE JANEIRO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Cruzeiro announced on Wednesday the signing of Argentine striker Ernesto Farias on the eve of their match against Fluminense.

Farias, 30, signed a three-year contract with the team from Belo Horizonte.

The club's president Zeze Perrella traveled to Portugal to personally aid in the negotiation with the player from Porto.

Farias is expected to arrive at Cruzeiro by July 29. The team's head coach, Cuca, was thrilled with the news of the offensive reinforcement. The player will only be able to play for Cruzeiro in the first week in August due to regulations on the international trade of players.