CHRISTANVAL COMPLETES BARCA SWITCH

The talented 22-year-old defender underwent a thorough medical on Tuesday and signed a five-year contract, ignoring Emmanuel Petit`s warnings about moving to Camp Nou.

Petit, who left Barca for Chelsea on Tuesday, had a meeting with Christanval and urged him to think carefully about a move to Barcelona.

Christanval, though, has decided to take the plunge and complete the £7 million move.

"I'm delighted to get the chance to play for Barcelona because they are the best club in the world," said Christanval. "This is the most important step in my career."

Christanval is the first player to join Barca in what is certain to be a busy period in Catalunya.

Barca have signed pre-contracts with Argentine duo Javier Saviola and Juan Roman Riquelme from River Plate and Boca Juniors respectively, although neither transfer has been concluded.