Hearts today completed the signing of Greek international Panagiotis 'Takis' Fyssas from SL Benfica in Portugal.

Manager George Burley has been chasing the signing of Takis, a tough tackling left-back for some time now and was pleased to get his man today.

The 32 year was born in Athens, Greece and spent his first 9 years at Panionios. In 1999 he signed for Panathinaikos, where he played Champions League football, before moving to Benfica in December 2003.

Whilst at Lisbon, he helped his team to the Portuguese cup in his first season, in which he scored a dramatic equaliser which paved the way for an extra time victory.

Takis' finest moment came in winning the final of EURO 2004 at his home ground - Estadio Da Luz - when Greece stunned Europe by beating Portugal 1-0, in a match he started. He has 46 caps for his country.

Manager George Burley commented: "We're really pleased to bring in someone with such a fine pedigree. The lad has played in the Champions League and has won the European Championships. I am sure he will prove to be a good signing."

Thanks to www.heartsfc.co.uk for the above information.