Football: Atletico sign Malaga's Demichelis

MADRID - Argentina defender Martin Demichelis has signed for one season with Atletico Madrid from Spanish league rivals Malaga, the club said on Thursday.

Atletico said in a statement on their website clubatleticomadrid.com that the 32-year-old signed on a free transfer after his contract with Malaga ended.

"Demichelis' experience is going to come in handy in the many challenges we face from August," Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero said.

"He is a very difficult defender to play against and is used to playing in big games and will bring a lot to the side."

Demichelis started his career at Argentinian giants River Plate, before spending seven years at Bayern Munich, where he made 174 appearances.

He moved to Malaga in 2011, playing 37 times, including the club's debut in the Champions League. He has played 37 times for Argentina since 2005.