Arbeloa joins Madrid on 5-year deal from Liverpool

Madrid:

Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa is joining Real Madrid on a five-year contract from Liverpool.

The 26-year-old Arbeloa passed a medical on Wednesday in Madrid before completing his 3.5 million-pound ($5.7 million) transfer from the Premier League club.

"The results of every test are very satisfactory," Dr. Carlos Diez said. "He is delighted about playing for Real Madrid. It's always been his dream. He can't wait to join his teammates."

Arbeloa becomes the club's seventh offseason signing, after Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Negredo and Esteban Granero.

"Arbeloa's versatility allows him to play anywhere in defense," Madrid said on its Web site. "He is a very regular and consistent player who thrives in one-on-ones."

Arbeloa, who was part of the Spain squad that won the 2008 European championship, was with Madrid as a youth player before moving to Deportivo La Coruna in 2006 and then on to Liverpool six months later.

The right back was in the final year of his Liverpool contract, having moved to Anfield for 2.6 million pounds in January 2007. He played 99 games for the English club and scored two goals.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has already spent 17.5 million pounds on England right back Glen Johnson, who is expected to take Arbeloa's place in the side.

Liverpool also has Swiss international Philipp Degen back after rib and lung injuries. Jamie Carragher has also filled in at right back.