Berlin, Aug 13 (IANS): Chilean international midfielder Charles Aranguiz has signed a five-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen, officials from the German football club said on Thursday.

The German club paid 13 million euros (roughly $ 14.4 million) to Brazilian club Internacional for the 26-year-old player's transfer, reports Efe.

"Charles Aranguiz has shown for Chile especially what a terrific footballer he is. The hard-running and aggressive style of play of that team resembles ours," Leverkusen sporting executive Rudi Voller was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"Aranguiz has proven that he's a strategically skilled pace setter. He will increase the quality of our squad, and we have signed the player we wanted all along for our midfield," Voller added.

The Chilean international joins several of his compatriots who will appear in the Bundesliga this season, including star midfielder Arturo Vidal, who will play for champions Bayern Munich.