Edmilson shunned Real Madrid to join Barcelona

Brazil's World Cup-winning midfielder Edmilson has revealed he turned down an offer from Real Madrid before joining their bitter rivals Barcelona this week.

"Representatives from Real Madrid showed an interest in me, but I chose Barcelona because I had the word of (vice-president) Sandro Rosell. Being at Barca is a dream," Edmilson said on Thursday after signing a four-year contract and being presented with the famous claret and blue shirt.

Edmilson's former club Lyon said they had settled on a transfer fee of 10 to 12 million euros.

Barcelona have already recruited the Portuguese playmaker Deco and the French midfielder Ludovic Giuly and Edmilson fitted their requirement for a defensive midfielder following the departure of Dutch internationals Philip Cocu and Edgar Davids.

"I am available to play where the coach wants me to play, either in central defence or midfield," Edmilson said.

The 28-year-old who was a key member of Brazil's 2002 World Cup squad will join fellow Brazilians including Ronaldinho, defenders Belletti, Sylvinho and the Spanish-Brazilian Thiago Motta.