The Brazilian turned down more lucrative offers to remain in the Bundesliga after his contract with Bayern expired and, after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with HSV, he expressed his delight at extending his stay in Germany.

"I followed the reaction from the Hamburg fans to my potential transfer on the internet and was delighted to have seen so much positive feeling towards me," he said.

"HSV are a big club and it impressed me the way the people tried so hard to get me here over the last few days.

"I am delighted to keep playing football in Germany."

The 34-year-old meets up with his former Bayern team-mates Piotr Trochowski, Marcell Jansen and Paolo Guerrero and feels the club have the potential to challenge for silverware next season.

"HSV was in every competition right to the end last season and I want to do my bit to ensure the team is equally successful this year," he told the HSV website. "We want to qualify for Europe again."