Mainz, July 28 (IANS): Portugal international Henrique Sereno has joined German football club Mainz from Turkish outfit Kayserispor on a free transfer.

With the signing of Sereno, who put pen to paper on a two-year deal on Monday, the 'Nullfuenfer' bolstered their defence. The 30-year-old defender knows the Bundesliga business as he already played one season on loan at Cologne, reports Xinhua.

"We were looking for a fast defender who is strong in the air, therefore we signed Henrique Sereno. He will complement our defence due to the fact that he played in Germany's top-flight as well as in Portugal's, Turkey's and Spain's," Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel said.

The new arrival made overall 25 appearances in Germany, 49 in Portugal, 32 in Spain and 41 in Turkey. In addition, he played two international caps for Portugal's national team.

"I remember the games here at Mainz in a great stadium with loud and euphoric fans. The Bundesliga is in my opinion the best league in the world. I am very excited to be able to help a good club," Sereno said.

Mainz encounter newly promoted Ingolstadt at the first round of Bundesliga on August 15.