Ibra seals Barca switch

Sweden striker signs five-year deal

Last updated: 27th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ibra seals Barca switch

Ibrahimovic: Five-year deal

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Sweden international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a five-year contract with European champions Barcelona.

Ibrahimovic, who passed his medical with the Spanish side earlier on Monday, moves to Camp Nou after three seasons with Inter Milan.

Barca will part with a reported 45million euros and Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o to secure the services of Ibrahimovic, with Alexander Hleb set to join the Serie A side on a season-long loan deal.

Pep Guardiola has moved to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season in the wake of fierce rivals Real Madrid's extravagant spending spree.

Barcelona discovered that Ibrahimovic had suffered a fractured hand during Inter's pre-season clash with Chelsea as he underwent an extensive medical examination.

Astronomical

But that was of no concern to the Spanish champions and a deal was struck which included an astronomical buy-out clause of 250million euros for the player.

Barca also confirmed that Eto'o is valued at 20million euros in the deal, while Inter will have the chance to buy Hleb for an initial 10million euros once his season-long loan spell is concluded.

Ibrahimovic will inherit Eto'o's number nine shirt at Barca and becomes the Catalan giants' third signing of the summer after Brazilian duo Maxwell and Keirrison.

Maxwell was also signed from Inter for a fee that could rise to 5million euros, while Keirrison has cost Barca an initial 14million euros from Palmeiras but will be sent out on loan next season.

Dream

Ibrahimovic admitted the speculation over his future had been tough and he was relieved that the ongoing saga had finally concluded.

He told a news conference: "It feels like I'm living a dream now. It was not easy for me in the last weeks.

"Only one club can buy me and that is Barcelona. My will to come to Barcelona was too big for staying in Inter Milan.

"It is a big honour. There are many big clubs but there is only one special club.

"I come here to bring something new. I'm here to win and I'll do my best to win."

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