The 36-year-old Brazilian striker arrived in Tashkent on Wednesday to officially complete his move to the Uzbek League leaders, who were until recently known as Kuruvchi, after his contract with Greek Super League side AEK Athens was terminated by mutual consent.

Bunyodkor meet Iran's Saipa in the last eight of the Champions League later this month, with the first leg taking place at the Enghelab-E-Eslami Stadium on September 17 before the return leg a week later at the MHSK Stadium in Tashkent.

"I had a contract with AEK Athens, but my contract was coming to an end and I was invited by clubs from Australia and Japan," Rivaldo told the club's official website, www.pfc-kuruvchi.com.

"At the same time I got a serious offer from Uzbekistan which I accepted. I am glad I decided to accept the offer. I came here to play and show the fans.

"I want to help my new team in the Champions League. The club made a serious offer and now I will try and show my worth and make as much effort I can to help them be successful."

Earlier this week, Gold Coast United claimed Rivaldo's agent had contacted them about a contract with the club when they join the A-League next season - but the fledgling franchise had turned him down.

Bunyodkor currently boast the maximum of three foreign players allowed to participate in the Asian Champions League.

And general director Tavakkal Kadirovich is hoping the acquisition of the veteran South American will help the team achieve continental glory.

"Negotiations lasted two months. We were helped by out close partner Emmanuel Petit and he negotiated with Rivaldo's agent," said Ismailov.

"If you look at the trophies Rivaldo has won, there is only the Asian Champions League left to win."

In July, Bunyodkor sensationally claimed to have signed Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona, but the move failed to materialise despite the Cameroon striker arriving in Tashkent.