RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil international center-back Leandro Castan has joined Vasco da Gama from Italian Serie A giants Roma, the Brazilian club announced on Friday.

The 31-year-old, who arrives on a free transfer after being released by Roma last week, agreed to an 18-month contract with the Rio de Janeiro outfit.

Castan, who has been capped twice for Brazil's national team, made 72 Serie A appearances for Roma after joining the club from Corinthians in 2012.

In the past three years he has had loan spells at Sampdoria, Torino and Cagliari after falling out of favor with the Giallorossi.

Vasco are currently 12th in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings, with 19 points from 14 matches, 15 points behind leaders Flamengo.