Sunderland announced on its official website on Tuesday that Atlético Madrid's Mozambique international defender Reinildo Mandava has joined the club as a free agent after his contract had expired.

According to Sunderland's official statement, Reinildo has signed on a short-term two-year deal with the club which will only run until the summer of 2027.

After completing his joining procedures, Reinildo, who was interviewed by Sunderland's official website for the first time, said: "This is a dream come true, because playing in the Premier League has always been my dream, and I can't wait to play for a club with a long history like Sunderland."

"I am very happy to meet the team, fight for the club, and give everything for the club. I want to help my teammates, give them strength, and pass on my experience in the dressing room. Most importantly, I want to make people happy, and I will do everything for this."

About Reinildo Mandava

Reinildo, 31, was born in Beira, Mozambique on January 21, 1994. He is 1.80 meters tall and primarily plays as a left-wing back. He can also play as a left midfielder or center back.

Reinildo played for local Mozambican clubs Ferroviário da Beira and GD Maputo when he was young, and joined Benfica's reserve team in 2016.

In May of the following year, Reinildo was loaned-out to AD Fafe for a month, and in July 2017, he was loaned-out to Sporting Clube da Covilhã.

In August 2018, Reinildo moved to B-SAD.

In January of the following year, Reinildo joined Lille on-loan with an option to buy. Later, his ownership was bought out for €3 million in May of the same year.

During his three-and-a-half-year spell with Les Dogues, Reinildo won the Ligue 1 once and the Trophée des Champions once with the club.

On the 2022 winter transfer window deadline day, Reinildo joined Atlético Madrid for €4.5 million.

During his three-and-a-half-year spell with Los Colchoneros, Reinildo played 103 times for the La Liga giants in all competitions, scored 2 goals and assisted 1 time. During which he helped the club reach the semi-finals of the Copa Del Rey and the semi-finals of the Champions League twice each.