Cue: "Sweet Georgia Brown" for Denilson Juggle

Cue up the Harlem Globetrotters' famous theme song, "Sweet Georgia Brown" while you watch this one. (Actually, click here for an MP3 from the US Patent & Trademark Office). These little player signing photo opps normally have an awkward air to them, but Denilson, to his credit, shows good humor & knows the drill. Hope he plays on Saturday night in Frisco against MLS all-time leading scorer, Jaime Moreno (sorry Jason Kreis) and DC United. Tobias Xavier Lopez has good coverage of the presentation here.

Denilson brings charisma and experience to Dallas

By TOBIAS XAVIER LOPEZ

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

FRISCO -- Brazilian playmaker Denilson achieved international soccer fame for his vibrant smile, his eye-popping step-over move (called "The Denilson"), his Nike commercials and his role in helping Brazil win the 2002 World Cup.

Denilson's charisma and fun-loving attitude came through clearly Monday in his initial news conference as FC Dallas' first designated player.

Denilson jokingly referred to David Beckham as "the blond one" and brushed off concerns about the Texas heat by saying "I might get a little darker."

However, the 30-year-old attacking midfielder/forward spoke candidly about his one-year stints with previous clubs, France's Bordeaux (2005-06) and Saudi Arabia's Al-Nasr (2006-07). He said the "financial package and cultural experience" prompted his move to Saudi Arabia.

"As soccer players, we have the opportunities to be able to learn more about our world," he said. "After nine months, I was able to share these experiences and a new culture with my friends and family back home. It was a difficult situation for me because it was difficult to adapt in some levels, but I would do it again because of the experience."

In the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, Denilson played a prominent role in Nike's worldwide commercial campaigns. When he was sold to Spain's Real Betis in 1998 for about $36 million, it was a record transfer fee.

"With respect to the transfer, I was [20] and it was a lot of money and a lot of responsibility, and the first two years I was there were not so good for me," he said. "But, after that, I was able to adapt and have success. Now, where I'm at, I can accept the responsibilities that are coming to me through my experience."

Denilson worked with teammates Monday but won't officially join the club until his visa is approved, probably in five to 10 business days. Once Denilson is eligible, Dallas will have to clear one of the senior international spots held by forward Carlos Ruiz, midfielders Marcelo Saragosa and Pablo Ricchetti, and defender Adrian Serioux.

Major League Soccer's designated player rule allows clubs to sign players outside the salary cap.