New signing describes Premier League as "the best in the world"
Sunday 20 May 2018 07:34, UK
Leicester have agreed terms for the signature of defender Ricardo Pereira from Porto on a five-year contract, subject to international clearance.
The 24-year-old, set to feature for Portugal at this summer's World Cup in Russia, completed a medical and finalised personal terms on Saturday, with the move expected to be finalised when international transfer clearance is received on June 9.
Pereira made 43 appearances for the Portuguese champions this season, including seven in the Champions League, and can play as a winger as well as his regular role as a right-back.
"I feel very happy to be here and I can't wait to do my best to help the team," Pereira, who becomes the Foxes' first summer acquisition, told LCFC TV.
"The atmosphere, the fans and the football of the Premier League makes it the best in the world.
"I am here to support the team and to help the club to achieve its goals."
Pereira, who made his international debut in 2015, joined Porto in 2013 as a 20-year-old before he enjoyed two successful seasons on loan with Nice from 2015, during which time he played under Leicester boss Claude Puel.
"I'm delighted to have a player of Ricardo's quality on board for next season," said Puel.
"I remember him well from my time at Nice."
Pereira and new team-mate Adrien Silva will both be part of Fernando Santos' Portugal squad, who are aiming to secure a second consecutive major tournament victory after their Euro 2016 title in France.
