Bengaluru FC announced the signing of Brazilian attacker Cleiton Silva on a one-year deal with the option to extend for another year, the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) club confirmed on Saturday. A winger, who can also function as a striker, Silva has played in China, Mexico and was a key member of Thailand clubs Muangthong United as well as Suphanburi. He was prolific during his time with these clubs, and is the all-time top-scorer in the Thai League 1.

“I’ve signed with Bengaluru FC because I want to be a champion and this is a club that is always after titles. I have that opportunity once again at BFC. I want to make the club and its fans happy. I have been following the club for some time now, because we were in talks a while ago. And I liked what I saw. I am looking forward to making my way to Bengaluru and am excited to meet my new teammates, the fans and embrace the city,” Silva said after signing for the Blues.

The 33-year-old versatile forward is the first foreign player in the Thai League to reach the 100-goal mark, and has finished as the top-scorer for two seasons. Of the two clubs that he played for in Thailand, he experienced most success with Muangthong United, where he scored 57 goals in 79 appearances, winning three major trophies in just as many seasons.

While appreciating his drive for scoring goals, Bengaluru FC head coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Cleiton has a proven track-record when it comes to scoring and this is an area we needed to strengthen on the squad. The goals aside, he even has an eye for a quality final pass and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

The club CEO Mandar Tamhane also lauded Bengaluru’s new addition, saying, “Cleiton is a player we had been tracking closely through last season and even Carles was of the opinion that we should bring him to Bengaluru when the chance arises. We’re glad that things fell in place and that he is now part of our charge for the coming season.”

Silva joins the likes of Juanan Gonzalez, Dimas Delgado and Erik Paartalu as part of Bengaluru’s foreign players. Bengaluru have previously also announced the signings of Pratik Chaudhari and Lalthuammawia Ralte, and youngsters Joe Zoherliana and Wungngayam Muirang.