Hleb signs for Barcelona


Written by: AFP Bookmark and Share
2008-07-16 22:46:06

Barcelona´s new player Alexander Hleb poses outside the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona after agreeing terms with the Catalan club in Barcelona.
  Barcelona´s new player Alexander Hleb poses outside the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona after agreeing terms with the Catalan club in Barcelona.
BARCELONA (AFP) - Belarus international midfielder Alexander Hleb signed for Catalan giants Barcelona from English Premiership side Arsenal for 15million euros on Wednesday on a four year contract which will see him team up again with another former Gunner in Thierry Henry.

The move could cost another 2million euros depending on the player's performances whilst should he wish to leave before his contract ends it would cost the club wishing to buy him 90million euros.

"I love this club (Barcelona)" said Hleb, who joined Arsenal from VfB Stuttgart for 11.2million pounds in 2005.

"I spoke with (coach Josep) Guardiola and it was very important for me to learn how much he wanted me.

"I will give my best for this team and I want to win everything with Barca," added Hleb, who scored 10 times in 130 Premiership appearances for Arsenal.

Hleb's departure from Arsenal follows that of fellow midfielder Frenchman Mathieu Flamini, who signed for AC Milan earlier this summer, and is likely to be followed by that of 2002 World Cup winning midfielder Gilberto Silva, who is slated for a move to Greek outfit Panathinaikos.

Arsenal have moved to fill one of those gaps by signing French international Samir Nasri from Marseille.

Barcelona - who have gone two seasons without silverware which led to Frank Rijkaard being sacked and replaced by Guardiola for this season - have sold Portuguese international Deco and on Tuesday two-time world player of the year Ronaldinho.

However, Hleb is their fifth signing of the summer, as he follows Malian Seydou Keita from FC Sevilla and three defenders, Spaniard Gerard Pique from Manchester United, Uruguay's Martin Caceres (Villarreal) and highly-rated Brazilian Daniel Alves also from Sevilla.




Discuss

Tontodonati July 16th, 2008 23:39

Official Notice from Fred Tontodonati.
In response to all my friends' demand, I have decided to have my picture as the avatar beside my name. Giorgio, Ajax 72, Bes TalentScout, Crusader 1087, Gunner_eagle and many more, have expressed the desire to see how ugly an 84 year old man can be! As soon as I'm able to work the computer as well as you guys can, I will surprise all of you!

SAJNSHE July 17th, 2008 00:02

My Old Friend Never Mind of these Shits they understand Nothing in Football , only they are refusing young Opinions & old Opinions
What do u c in this Signing , My First team is Bayern But I admires Milan & Congratulation For Ronnie ...

Tarciturnio July 17th, 2008 00:10

holy crab, its your photo? you looks very good for a 84 years old man Ja.
You looks different from one to other, good improvement

Tontodonati July 17th, 2008 00:11

I believe I was able to include my picture in my comments. Now you know what the 84 year old Freddie looks like. Guys, don't start sending me cheap invitations. I only dine in 5 stars establishments!

Tontodonati July 17th, 2008 01:00

Jesus Chaves, Thank you! I knew you would like my picture. Wait till my other friends see it!

SAJNSHE July 17th, 2008 04:29

Tontodonati My Old Friend if u Didnt C my Msg For here it is again
Never Mind of these Shits
Never Mind of these Shits
Never Mind of these Shits
Never Mind of these Shits

ajax72 July 17th, 2008 04:59

Tonto, what a disappointment! I thought it was your granddaughter and was going to ask you a favour. Nevermind.

BesTalentScout July 17th, 2008 07:32

Tonto,

you would have made us go crazy if you said the girl is your wife !

i thought you said you're 66yrs-old ?

Tontodonati July 17th, 2008 12:23

Guys, I can see I fooled all of you. I'm the young Lady in the picture. My name is Fernanda. I'm 24 years old. Hopefully our friendship will not change now!

ajax72 July 17th, 2008 15:27

Sounds like the script of an mexican soap opera.