Rio de Janeiro, Apr 5 (IANS): Former Argentina international midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia has joined Atletico Mineiro after parting ways with Mallorca, the Brazilian Serie A club said.

Battaglia, who will be tied to Atletico until December 2024, is the Belo Horizonte side's ninth new signing this year, a Xinhua report said.

"I'm in good physical shape and I'm now at the club's disposal," Battaglia told reporters.

The 31-year-old is particularly looking forward to taking part in the Copa Libertadores -- South America's top club competition -- which begins this week. Atletico will make their debut in this year's tournament with a home clash against Paraguay's Libertad on Thursday.

"The Copa Libertadores was an important factor in my decision to come here," the No. 6 said. "I hope we can have a good campaign and make our fans happy."

Battaglia has been capped twice for Argentina's national team in a career that has also included spells at Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon and Spain's Alaves.