BRAZILIAN Raphael Rossi Branco believes his move to Swindon Town has presented him with a perfect opportunity to learn more about the game.

The defender signed a one-year deal with the Robins on Friday night after impressing during their pre-season trip to Portugal, but wasn’t involved away at Peterborough on the opening day of the season as he waited for his move to be approved by the Football League.

Branco prefers the fast pace of the English game compared to his native Brazil, and after previous spells in England with Brighton and non-league Whitehawk is looking forward to getting started in League One.

“I started off in Brazil with Corinthians and I came to England two years ago and started playing with Brighton and then Whitehawk,” he said.

“Football is very different, in England you have to play quicker and in Brazil you slow down, so I prefer English football because I learn more.

“My favourite player is David Luiz from Chelsea, but I like to watch all games in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two to learn. This is a good opportunity to learn and I just like playing football.

“We had a good pre-season and I think I did good work, and in Portugal had a contract given to me.

“This is a good opportunity for me and I want to do my best with everyone to help Swindon go up to the Championship.”

Branco has been impressed with his new surroundings since arriving in Wiltshire and is also pleased to link up with three familiar faces once again.

“I played with Yaser Kasim and Grant Hall when I was with Brighton and also Luke (Williams, first team coach) and they are good players to be here at Swindon,” he said.

“It’s a very big stadium and a very big place, and I like it here and I like being in Swindon.

“We have everything to make good work, so it will be good.

“My real position is centre-back but I can play right-back and midfield, and I will play wherever because I just want to help Swindon.”