PARIS - Uruguay international defender Mathias Suarez has joined Montpellier from Defensor Sporting, the French Ligue 1 side said on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old will be tied to the club until the end of the 2023 seasons after Defensor accepted a reported one million-euro transfer fee.

"For me it's a dream come true to play in Europe," said Suarez, who made 103 appearances for Montevideo-based Defensor Sporting, during his official presentation on Wednesday.

Suarez can play as both a right and left sided full-back or in a central defensive role. He has been capped twice for Uruguay's national team, having made his debut in a friendly against Brazil in November.

Montpellier are currently fourth in the Ligue 1 standings, 17 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.