Atletico signs Porto's Rodriguez

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30 May 2012-AP

Atletico Madrid has signed Uruguay forward Cristian Rodriguez from Porto on a four-year deal.

Falcao enjoying his time at Atletico Madrid

The 26-year-old Rodriguez joins the UEFA Europa League champion after playing a big role in Porto's successes over the past four seasons. The former Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain player helped Porto win three domestic league titles and the 2011 Europa League trophy.

Rodriguez, nicknamed 'the Onion' for making defenders cry, has made 47 appearances for Copa America champion Uruguay and joins on a free transfer after his contract ran out.

"He's a very fast and attack-minded player with a lot of character, a winner," Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero said. "He will give us a lot of options in attack because he is multi-purpose and can play on either wing."

Atletico also says it has reached an agreement to sign Turkey midfielder Emre Belozoglu, dependent on the Fenerbahce player passing his medical.

Atletico said the 31-year-old former Inter Milan and Newcastle United midfielder had agreed to a two-year deal.