G'bye PSG: Barcelona unveils Ronaldinho

Barcelona:

Ronaldinho was unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday after completing his move from Paris St Germain for an initial transfer fee of 25 million euros ($28.22 million). The Catalan giants beat off competition from Spanish rivals Real Madrid and English Premier League champions Manchester United to sign the 23-year-old. After a press conference alongside recently-elected club president Joan Laporta, around 30,000 fans crowded into the Nou Camp stadium to get their first glimpse of the Brazilian wearing a Barcelona strip. It was all smiles at the Nou Camp on Monday, as recently-elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta finally got to show-off a world-class signing. Not David Beckham, as had previously been promised - he, of course, is already adorned in the white of Real Madrid. But by footballing standards at least, Ronaldinho is not a bad second choice. Furthermore, Laporta overcame competition from both Real and Manchester United to ensure the 23-year-old Brazilian would be wearing Barca's burgundy and blue. "Well, Ronaldinho has signed for five years, we hope that he will want to continue and that it can be renewed. He is going to give us the best years of his sporting career," said Laporta. The signing will have come as a huge relief for Laporta, who during his election campaign promised to sign a player of the highest quality, with a media profile to match. Ronaldinho, meanwhile, said joining the Catalan club fulfilled a life's ambition. "I am very happy to be in Barca, I hope to give happiness to Barcelona FC supporters. I've always dreamed to play for Barcelona. And today I have the opportunity, and that is why I've given my best to be here," said Ronaldinho. (AP)