Atlético Madrid have announced that they have signed Thiago Motta.

A statement on the Atlético website (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com) said "Club Atlético de Madrid and have reached an agreement this Friday for the transfer of Thiago Motta to the Madrilian side. The Italian-Brazilian footballer has committed to Atletico for one season and will immediately join the team directed by Javier Aguirre.

"He will be presented on Monday 3 September at Vicente Calderon Stadium."

Motta made his final appearance for Barcelona on Tuesday night in the Trofeo Joan Gamper against Inter Milan, coming on as a second half substitute to replace the injured Samuel Eto'o. He managed to score the 5th and final goal of the match as Barça ran out 5-0 winners against the Italian champions.

Motta joined Barcelona as a youngster in 1999 and made his way through the youth ranks before finally breaking into the first team in 2001. He was tipped to become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world but constant injuries and a string of cheap red cards saw his progress halted.

The fee paid for Motta by Atlético is believed to be around €2 million.