RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Santos soccer team announced on Wednesday the signing of goalkeeper Aranha (or Spider in English). The ace keeper signed a three-year contract.

Aranha' s arrival will produce a healthy contest with Rafael for the team' s starting goalie. Aranha left Atletico-MG after the team decided not to renew his contract.

Santos' newest member will join the rest of the team on January 3 for pre-season training. Another Santos addition to the 2011 roster is midfielder Charles.

However, the club is waiting to sign the athlete after he fully recovers from the recent surgery on his left knee. The athlete is expected to sign a contract in February and has already begun to workout at Santos' headquarters, CT Rei Pele.