MELBOURNE, June 29 (Reuters) - Wellington Phoenix of Australia's A-League have signed their fourth Brazilian player, the club said on Friday.

Central defender Cleberson Souza Santos Goia, who previously played played for PSV Eindhoven and Sao Paulo, has signed a one-year deal and joins countrymen Daniel, George and Felipe in the newly formed squad. The 29-year-old plays under the name Cleberson.

Wellington were awarded New Zealand's A-League franchise in April after changing names from the New Zealand Knights and moving from Auckland to Wellington following a takeover by businessman Terry Serepisos.

Cleberson's signing, the 20th by the fledgling club so far, means Phoenix's overseas quota of four players are all Brazilian.

"He's an uncompromising defender who's played for some very good clubs," said Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert in a statement.

"I think he'll add stability and solidity and act as that central spine. He'll play in the middle at the back as a central defender. His quality lies in his strength."

The Phoenix make their A-League debut at home to reigning champions Melbourne Victory on Aug. 26. (Writing by Miles Evans in Melbourne, editing by Alastair Himmer and Peter Rutherford; Reuters messaging alastair.himmer.reuters.com@reuters.net; +81 90 8053 5355))

Fourth Brazilian signs for Wellington Phoenix

MELBOURNE, June 29 (Reuters) - Wellington Phoenix of Australia's A-League have signed their fourth Brazilian player, the club said on Friday.

Central defender Cleberson Souza Santos Goia, who previously played played for PSV Eindhoven and Sao Paulo, has signed a one-year deal and joins countrymen Daniel, George and Felipe in the newly formed squad. The 29-year-old plays under the name Cleberson.

Wellington were awarded New Zealand's A-League franchise in April after changing names from the New Zealand Knights and moving from Auckland to Wellington following a takeover by businessman Terry Serepisos.

Cleberson's signing, the 20th by the fledgling club so far, means Phoenix's overseas quota of four players are all Brazilian.

"He's an uncompromising defender who's played for some very good clubs," said Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert in a statement.

"I think he'll add stability and solidity and act as that central spine. He'll play in the middle at the back as a central defender. His quality lies in his strength."

The Phoenix make their A-League debut at home to reigning champions Melbourne Victory on Aug. 26. (Writing by Miles Evans in Melbourne, editing by Alastair Himmer and Peter Rutherford; Reuters messaging alastair.himmer.reuters.com@reuters.net; +81 90 8053 5355))

Updated on Friday, Jun 29, 2007 1:15 am EDT

interesting the grow of brazilian players in the A-League.

Not a classic Brazilian, very imposing and physical. Well done for posting this, go the PHOENIX

LOL just noticed there is 2 threads of the same story

Aussie leage

Wow, I think four is just a bit excessive..

you guys need to learn how to play real football,more is better

The Brazilians are great for the game here, i hope some of their technical ability rubs off on our players.

this is exactly what I meant,look at Portugal

but why can't New Zealand produce something good for once instead of using foreingers

has it had any impact on their league, because the other teams apart from the top 3 have not changed much.

Are you stupid? The best player in the league last year was a Brazilian. So why don't you produce something good for once? There is a limit of 4 foreigners.. you will find most of the clubs will use that limit as they can bring in imports that are better than homegrown talent. Are you 10 years old and Im being too harsh or are you plainly just a tosser?

Fred wasn't the best. Excuse me I'll think you'll find that a Socceroo is better thatn the whole Kiwi team

k

You adore Neill - West Ham
We adore Nelsen - Blackburn

Speaks for itself really.