MADRID, July 19 (Reuters) Argentina centre-back Gabriel Milito completed his move to Barcelona from Real Zaragoza today.
The 26-year-old passed a medical and put pen to paper on a four-year contract in a deal that could rise to 28.29 million dollars).
''It's a dream for me. Barca are widely considered the best team in the world,'' Milito told a news conference.
Barcelona had been seeking to strengthen their defence after centre-back Carles Puyol picked up a knee ligament injury that will rule him out of the start of next season.
Milito will compete with France defender Lilian Thuram and Mexico's Rafael Marquez for a place in the centre of defence.
The Argentine joined Zaragoza from Independiente in 2003 for 3.5 million dollar after a move to Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid fell through at the last minute.
Real pulled out of the million deal citing concerns over a knee ligament injury the player suffered in 2001.
Asked if he considered the move a form of revenge against Real, Milito replied: ''No. We have to forget about the past.
''I have always wanted to come here and I hope I can repay the club on the pitch for the confidence they have shown in me.'' He is Barcelona's fourth close-season signing after France striker Thierry Henry, Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure and France left back Eric Abidal.
REUTERS SSC HT1947
The 26-year-old passed a medical and put pen to paper on a four-year contract in a deal that could rise to 28.29 million dollars).
''It's a dream for me. Barca are widely considered the best team in the world,'' Milito told a news conference.
Barcelona had been seeking to strengthen their defence after centre-back Carles Puyol picked up a knee ligament injury that will rule him out of the start of next season.
Milito will compete with France defender Lilian Thuram and Mexico's Rafael Marquez for a place in the centre of defence.
The Argentine joined Zaragoza from Independiente in 2003 for 3.5 million dollar after a move to Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid fell through at the last minute.
Real pulled out of the million deal citing concerns over a knee ligament injury the player suffered in 2001.
Asked if he considered the move a form of revenge against Real, Milito replied: ''No. We have to forget about the past.
''I have always wanted to come here and I hope I can repay the club on the pitch for the confidence they have shown in me.'' He is Barcelona's fourth close-season signing after France striker Thierry Henry, Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure and France left back Eric Abidal.
REUTERS SSC HT1947
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