Gabriel Milito is now officially a Barca player after signing a four year contract with a buy-out clause of 90 Million Euros.


FC Barcelona have unveiled the latest signing at Camp Nou, Gabriel Milito from Real Zaragoza. Milito has been a long-time admirer of Barca, and expressed happiness the very first time he was informed of the Blaugrana interest. Milito signed a four year contract woth an initial 17 Million Euros, with up to 3.5 Million Euros payable on variable basis, bringing the fee to a total of around 20 million Euros. After the presentation, Gaby said :

I hope to be at the standard demanded by Barça and pay back the confidence people have in me. I always wanted to play here. People close to me knew very well what my priority was and luckily Barça showed an interest and I didn’t hesitate for a moment. It is great honour to play in Barca along with Carles Puyol, a player I have great respect for. I’ve come to be part of the squad and bring the best of me. Obviously there are great players here and a lot of competition but that’s good for the team and I’m here to be useful to the team. In the end it’s the manager who decides.

Asked if his unfortunate encounter with Real Madrid four years ago strengthened his resolve to play for Real's arch-rivals, FC Barcelona, Milito answered :

I didn’t take the decision because of that situation. I took it because of what Barça means. That’s part of the past and now I’m enjoying myself here.

Real Madrid claimed gaby was injured just before they signed him four years ago. Since then the Argentine has played four season in full strength and without any major problems.

Barcelona's Sporting Director, Txiki Begiristain, said of Gaby :

Signing Milito is a great opportunity which we have taken. He is an aggressive player, a good central defender and a good header of the ball. Furthermore, he has a great personality both on and off the pitch., which is important to foster team spirit.

Barca's president, Joan Laporta also heaped praises on Milito, saying :

Barça needs players like Gaby Milito who have character and technical quality. At Barcelona, every player is expected to show good attributes toward work, responsibility, hope, pride and humility. We are happy to have Milito join us.

Milito will wear the number 12 shirt in Barcelona and will play from the left side of the central defence.