Al Shabab have confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Marcelo Tavares.

The 2010 AFC Champions League quarter-finalists will join from newly-crowned Qatar Emir Cup champions Al Rayyan at the end of his contract. The 29-year-old previously played in Saudi Arabia for Al Shabab's rivals Al Hilal before moving to Qatar in 2008.

"I'm happy to sign with Al Shabab and get back to Saudi Arabia after previously playing for Al Hilal," Tavares told Al Shabab's official website.

"I have signed for Al Shabab despite having several offers from different clubs in the Gulf and in Brazil as well," he added. "I preferred to join Al Shabab and hopefully I can be a good addition to them."