Spain's Pernía presented by Atlético

Spanish international left-back Mariano Pernía has been unveiled by Club Atlético de Madrid only hours after arriving back from the FIFA World Cup Finals.

Four-year contract
The Argentina-born defender has signed a four-deal with Atlético after completing a transfer from Getafe CF and admitted that he could not be happier. "I am very pleased to be joining not only one of the biggest clubs in Spain, but also Europe and the world," he said. "It was a dream of mine to come here, the greatest achievement on a personal level. It is a big club and, as such, has to win trophies."

Spanish citizenship
Perniá, who was born in Buenos Aires, moved to Spain in 2002 when he joined RC Recreativo de Huelva from Argentinian side CA Independiente and after two seasons he was signed by Getafe. He qualified to play for the Spain national team after being awarded Spanish citizenship and was called up for the World Cup Finals by Luis Aragonés after Asier Del Horno withdrew through injury. He went on to play three of their four games in Germany.