Benfica have signed defender Lisandro Lopez from Arsenal de Sarandi on a five-year deal.
The centre-back becomes the 12th South American in the Estadio da Luz ranks after making over 100 appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2010.
And the 23-year-old from Argentina, who cited compatriot Pablo Aimar as a factor in his move, believes that his desire to succeed has led to him securing a switch to the UEFA Europa League runners-up.
I am a humble player, always trying to improve and never feel resigned to anything, he told the club s official website.
I think what led Benfica to take an interest in me was the fact that I always want more.
Me and Pablo Aimar have met a few times and he told me Lisbon was beautiful and that Benfica are a great and magical club.
He actually advised me to make the most of the club and enjoy the fact that Benfica at this time have many Argentine players because they can help me adjust better.
Lopez s performances in his homeland have already caught the eye of national team boss Alejandro Sabella, with four caps to his name.
And he is aiming to cement a place in Argentina s plans for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Since the age of 20, I have been playing for Arsenal de Sarandi and played more than 100 times, giving me lots of experience, he added. This helped me to be able to transfer to one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
If I can perform well with at Benfica, I think that I ll get to the selection of Argentina. But first I have to play well at Benfica.
