Valencia announced on their official website on Monday that Argentina international defender Renzo Saravia has joined the club on a free transfer from Atlético Mineiro.

According to Valencia's official statement, Sarabia has signed on a short-term contract with the club which will only run until the end of the season. He will also wear the number 20 jersey.

After completing his transfer procedures, Saravia, who was inteviewed by the Valencia official website for the first time, said, "I'm very happy and cherish this opportunity to join the club. I'm also very motivated for the challenges ahead."

"I feel great right now, especially in the first few hours of getting familiar with the club facilities and meeting my teammates."

"I received some other good offers before, but when Valencia extended an offer, I accepted without hesitation. It's a very valuable opportunity for me."

"I feel very honoured to be in the La Liga and to play with the best players. I'm very happy with this decision. My goal is always to do my best to help the team."

About Renzo Saravia

The 32-year-old Saravia was born on June 16, 1996, in Villa de María del Río Seco, Córdoba Province, Argentina. He is 1.78 meters tall and primarily plays as a right-back, but can also play as a center-back.

Saravia played in the for academies of Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba, Atlético Las Palmas, and Atlético Belgrano from a young age, before completing his Atlético Belgrano first-team debut in a Copa Argentina match in March 2013.

In July 2017, Saravia was loaned-out to Racing Avellaneda. His ownership was later permanently purchased the following summer.

During his two-year spell with Racing Avellaneda, Saravia won the Argentine Primera División title once.

In July 2019, Saravia joined Porto for €5.5 million.

Despite limited playing time at the Dragões, Saravia still won the Taça do Portugal once with the club.

In late February of the following year, Saravia was loaned-out to Internacional for two seasons.

In April 2022, Saravia joined Botafogo as a free agent.

After his contract expired the following February, Saravia joined Atlético Mineiro as a free agent.

During his three-year spell with Atlético Mineiro, Saravia made 129 appearances for the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists, helping the team win the Campeonato Mineiro title for three consecutive years.

Image source: Internet / Valencia official website