Oxford United have further strengthened their squad for the new season with the signing of Brazilian left back Ricardinho, who joins the U’s on a one-year deal with the option for a further year.

Ricardo Ferreira da Silva Kubitski - usually known as Ricardinho - played well over 100 games for Coritiba in his native Brazil before joining Malmo, playing for the Swedish side in the Champions League and Europa League.

In total he made 200 appearances for Malmo in a five-year spell before joining Gabala in the Azerbaijan Premier League in 2015, again playing in the Europa League last season.

Manager Pep Clotet worked with the 32-year-old defender at Malmo and was pleased to have him in the squad at the U’s, telling iFollow:

“He is someone I worked with before. He brings a lot of experience, is naturally left-sided, he is very consistent and a very good professional who we believe will do well for Oxford United.“

Ricardo told us:

“I enjoyed working with Pep before and since then he has worked at some fantastic clubs and with some great people so I can’t wait to start training with him again.

"He spoke with passion about what this club is all about and what they hope to achieve and I am really looking forward to playing a part in that.”