Cologne's Zvonimir Soldo was "delighted" to welcome Maniche after he completed his transfer from Atletico Madrid.

Maniche passed a medical in Cologne this morning and flew directly to Klagenfurt, Austria, to link up with his team-mates at their pre-season training camp on Lake Worther.

His arrival made Soldo particularly optimistic for next season after Cologne also signed Lukas Podolski from Bayern Munich this summer.

"I am delighted that he is here," Soldo told Cologne's Express newspaper.

"We have been after him for weeks and he is going to take us forward.

"Maniche has an excellent shot, is strong going forward and is dangerous in front of goal. I plan on playing him in front of Petit in the attacking midfield position."

Maniche has joined Cologne on a free transfer after being released by Atletico. He has made 52 appearances for Portugal and won the Champions League and UEFA Cup under Jose Mourinho at Porto.

At Cologne, he will join his compatriot Petit in the centre of the midfield.