BORDEAUX, July 28, 2008 (AFP) - Argentine international defender Diego Placente on Monday signed a two-year contract with French first division runners-up Bordeaux.

The 31-year-old said that he opted for the French side over offers from Greek and Spanish clubs because of the chance to play Champions League and the presence of his friend and compatriot Fernando Cavenaghi.

Placente played last season with Argentine outfit San Lorenzo after five seasons with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he reached the Champions League final in 2002. He also played for two seasons with Celta Vigo.

Placente, who has 22 international caps, returned to Argentina in January but wanted to come back to Europe.

'It was one of my wishes, I knew that sooner or later an opportunity to return to Europe would turn up,' he said.

'I was in contact with Greek and Spanish clubs but when Bordeaux showed their interest I opted for that path.

'Everything was decisive in my choice. The calmness of the club, the Champions League and also the presence of Fernando (Cavenaghi) whom I know very well and played (at River Plate) and who gave me a lot of information.

'Bordeaux is a good team, attractive, who had a good championship last season.

'And then I want to discover another culture, another language. French football is very physical, quite fast but it's not talked about much in Argentina. But since Fernando is there, it's started,' added Placente, who will join his new team for training in Brittany on Monday.