Rafael Fernandes revealed his delight after his loan move to Rangers from French club LOSC Lille was confirmed.
The 22-year-old defender has joined the Ibrox club for the rest of the season with an option to make the deal permanent.
Fernandes, who came through the Sporting Lisbon academy and who has represented Portugal at under-18 and under-20 level is Philippe Clement’s first signing of the January transfer window.
The Portuguese stopper, whose move is subject to international clearance, said: “I am very happy to be here, it was a club I wanted to come to since I heard about the interest and I am really happy to finally be here.
“My first impressions have been really good, I met some of my colleagues, some of the staff and all of them made me comfortable to start this new challenge.”
Clement, looking to strengthen the defensive side to his squad after injuries to Nana Kasanwirjo and John Souttar, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Rafael to the squad.
“He is a young defender who brings with him a lot of qualities which will be an asset for our team for the remainder of this season.
“He has a lot of potential and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Technical director Nils Koppen added: “It is fantastic to have Rafael joining Rangers for the remainder of the season and he is another exciting young talent to add to our squad.
“We identified the defensive area as one we wanted to strengthen this window and it is great to be able to add Rafael.
“I am sure he can continue to develop his game at Rangers and I look forward to seeing him challenging our defensive players for playing time in the weeks and months ahead, and potentially into the seasons ahead also.”
Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart revealed last weekend that the club would be signing two players at most in this transfer window.
