Grêmio have announced the signing of 2002 World Cup winning goalkeeper Dida on a one-year contract as they prepare for the 2013 Copa Libertadores.
Dida, 39, arrives at the request of manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who expressed concerns about the club’s lack of an experienced goalkeeper ahead of their attempt at continental glory.
The goalkeeper has been in Porto Alegre for Wednesday night’s Match Against Poverty at the newly opened Grêmio Arena—a game which will feature both Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.
There had been worries that the two sides would fail to agree terms on the deal, with Grêmio reportedly shocked by the former AC Milan star’s transfer demands. However, the keeper would appear to have backed down and put pen-to-paper with the Gaúcho giants.
Since the departure of goalkeeper Victor to Atlético Mineiro in June, Grêmio have been short of goalkeepers in their squad with only replacement Marcelo Grohe and youngsters Matheus and Busatto.
Dida, who enjoyed ten months away from the game before joining Portuguesa earlier this year, will now compete with Grohe for the No. 1 jersey. He will now be officially unveiled in a press conference later on Wednesday.
