Basel snap up experienced defender Samuel

FC Basel 1893 have bolstered their defence with the signing of former Argentina defender Walter Samuel on a free transfer.

The 36-year-old centre-back, whose contract at FC Internazionale Milano expired at the end of last season, has penned a deal that runs until the end of the upcoming campaign. "I am really happy and looking forward to this new challenge and the Basel adventure," said Samuel, who won 56 caps for Argentina.

Basel president Bernhard Heusler added: "In Walter Samuel FC Basel have got a very experienced player and, at the same time, a great personality. Once again this transfer shows the attractiveness of Basel and the Swiss league."

After coming through the system at CA Newell's Old Boys, Samuel caught the eye during a three-year spell at CA Boca Juniors. AS Roma brought him to Europe in 2000 and after four successful seasons – when he helped the Giallorossi to win their first Serie A title since 1983 – he spent one term at Real Madrid CF.

A fruitful nine-year stay at Inter yielded five more Serie A winners' medals. Samuel lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in the Nerazzurri's historic treble-winning campaign in 2009/10, after beating FC Bayern München 2-0 in the final.

The Swiss champions will start their UEFA Champions League campaign in the group stage.