The 35-year-old, who was capped 31 times by his country, has his sights set on winning the domestic league - a tall order for a side which avoided finishing bottom of the table on goal difference last term.

"The flight was very long but I'm excited to be here," said Amaral, who played for the team during their pre-season tour of Indonesia in late June.

"I'm very motivated and happy to finally be in Perth.

"I felt at home with the team in Indonesia and I wish I'd been able to come straight to Australia.

"I think Perth Glory has a good team and a lot of potential to play well this season and strive for the championship. I have come here to help them achieve that goal."

Despite his age, the former Fiorentina player believes he is in good shape, having trained at home in Brazil while waiting for his Australian working visa to be processed.

"I am fit and have been training in Brazil twice a day," he said.

"I'm ready to play and I feel I can contribute to the team straight away.

"I'm here to do a job and that's to play football but I am looking forward to seeing this country also. I have done some research on the internet and Perth is a beautiful city. It has lots of nice beaches and my first impression has been very nice.

"I see that there are many Brazilians living here and I hope they come to the games and enjoy the football we play this season."