"It is very important for me because I have for a long time dreamed of playing in the Premiership and playing for a big, big club like Tottenham is a dream come true," Rocha told Tottenham's official website on Tuesday.

"It is too soon to know what really to expect, I will work very hard, but the most important thing is the team and the results of the team. It is most important to win whether with me in the side or another player."

Rocha joined Benfica SC Braga in 2002 where he won the Portuguese League title as well as the domestic cup.

The 28-year-old, who has six international caps, played two friendly matches with Portugal in 2002 and 2003 and returned lately to represent his country in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Tottenham Sporting Director Damien Comolli was delighted to capture the signing of Rocha after selling defender Calum Davenport to West Ham.

"Ricardo is an accomplished defender who gives us further options in defence as he can play both in the centre and on the right."

"He brings considerable experience to Tottenham having played at the highest level in European competition and is also a current Portuguese international.

"Ricardo has shown a great desire to come to White Hart Lane and will no doubt prove to be a valuable addition to the squad at this important time," he added.