Gabriel Milito joins Barcelona (24 Jul 2007 21:21 GMT)
Argentina centre-back Gabriel Milito passed a medical and put pen to paper on a four-year contract in a deal with Barcelona that could rise to 20.5 million euros (13.8 million pounds).
"We hope he continues to demonstrate the commitment and leadership that he has shown in his career until now. Barca need players with his type of character," Barcelona's sports director Txiki Begiristain told a news conference.
"We want players that are leaders on the pitch but also in the dressing room, that can act as an example to the rest of the squad," he added.
The Argentine joined Zaragoza from Independiente in 2003 for $3.5 million after a move to Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid fell through at the last minute.
Real pulled out of the $4 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."
source : Reuters