RIO DE JANEIRO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil international midfielder Dudu joined Atletico Mineiro on a free transfer on Tuesday, less than a week after parting ways with local rival Cruzeiro.

The 33-year-old agreed to a deal that ties him to Atletico Mineiro until December 2027, the Brazilian Serie A side said in a statement on its official website.

"It's never too late to find the path to happiness. Welcome, Dudu," the statement said.

The attacking playmaker is expected to begin training with Atletico immediately but can only make his debut for the Belo Horizonte club when Brazil's winter transfer window opens on June 2.

Dudu made just 17 appearances across all competitions for Cruzeiro and scored two goals after returning to his boyhood club from Palmeiras last December.

Local media said his departure followed a breakdown in relations with Cruzeiro manager Leonardo Jardim. ■