Barcelona have completed the signing of defender Edmilson from French side Lyon for around £8m.

Edmilson signed earlier today, and revealed that he rejected an offer from Real Madrid, in favour of a move to the Catalan club.

“They [Madrid] contacted me, but I had given my word to Sandro Rosell” [Barcelona’s sporting director],” he said.

Edmilson, who can play in defence or in midfield, has agreed a four-year deal.

The 28-year-old Brazilian played in the last World Cup, and has now established himself in the Canary’s back four.

Edmilson is keen to add to his 3 French titles and 1 French Cup.

“When you start to win, you don’t want to stop,” explained the defender. “Lets see if we can win things and make history…”