Argentina's Milito completes move to Barcelona

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