"It was a dream (to play for Atletico), a goal I wanted to achieve," said Pernia when he was presented to the Madrid media.

The 29-year-old Argentine-born full-back was part of the Spain squad that crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of France on Tuesday.

He was called up as a late replacement after Asier Del Horno of English Premiership champions Chelsea was forced to pull out of the squad.

The left-back, who was born in Buenos Aires and only received Spanish citizenship shortly before the World Cup kicked-off, scored 10 goals in the Primera Liga last season.

He becomes the sixth close season signing for Atletico, joining Mexican coach Javier Aguirre, Argentine forward Sergio Aguero, Portuguese defender Ze Castro, Greek defender Georgios Seitaridis and Portugual midfielder Costinha, who is still in Germany at the World Cup.