Venezuela midfielder Otero joins Corinthians

SAO PAULO -- Corinthians have signed Venezuela international midfielder Romulo Otero on loan from their Brazilian Serie A rivals Atletico Mineiro.

Otero met his new teammates on Monday after passing a medical and signing a deal that will tie him to the Sao Paulo side until June next year.

"I've always wanted to play for Corinthians. I can't wait to wear this shirt and help my teammates on the pitch," the 27-year-old said in a video posted on the club's official website.

The free-kick specialist made 103 appearances for Atletico Mineiro but fell out of favor under Jorge Sampaoli, who replaced Rafael Dudamel as head coach in March.

Otero, who has been capped 35 times for Venezuela's national team, is expected to be available for Corinthians' home league clash with Fortaleza on Wednesday.

Corinthians are currently 14th in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings with one win from their first three matches.