Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has signed Brazilian midfielder Mineiro until the end of the season.
The 33-year-old, who has won 24 caps, was a free agent having been released by Hertha Berlin at the end of last season.
“He is a player that I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months. I have one midfielder like him, John Mikel Obi,” Scolari told the club’s website.
“This week he will not play but maybe after 15 days to two weeks, he is ready to play normal games.
“He needs to play some games in the reserve team, and for me it is very good because I have one more player in this position.
“If not I have to put in (Juliano) Belletti or (Paulo) Ferreira, or (Michael) Ballack, and they are not for this position.
“I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember (Claude) Makelele, Mineiro is the same. Good positionally, a very good marker. He is a man that works for the other players and he is also a good man outside of the pitch.”
Mineiro spent 18 months with Hertha, scoring twice in 36 appearances, having previously played with Sao Paulo, Sao Caetano and Ponte Preta.
