RIO DE JANEIRO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Botafogo have signed former Brazil international midfielder Dudu Cearense, the Rio de Janeiro club said on Friday.

Dudu will be tied to the two-time Brazilian Serie A champions until the end of the year after signing for an undisclosed fee from Fortaleza.

"His arrival was a special request of [coach] Ricardo Gomes to reinforce the midfield," Botafogo said in a statement.

Dudu's career has included spells at Kashiwa Reysol, CSKA Moscow, Olympiakos and Rennes.

The 33-year-old won 11 caps for Brazil from 2003 to 2007, but his career has since been curtailed by injuries.

Botafogo are currently 10th in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings with four points from their first three matches of the season.