Real Madrid have confirmed that they have signed former Barcelona forward Javier Saviola.

Saviola, who spent last season at the Camp Nou before his contract expired, had said during the season that "it would be a lack of respect to say no to a club like Real Madrid," and it looks like he has stuck to his word by signing for the Spanish champions.

Saviola had found his game time limited at Barça and the management had made it clear to him that he was surplus to requirements at the club.

"He is young, can score goals and can give us [Real Madrid] a lot more," said ex-Barça player and new Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster.