Alexander Hleb has set his sights on
helping Barcelona return to their trophy-winning ways after completing his
'dream' move to the Catalan giants from Arsenal.
Hleb was unveiled as Barca's fifth signing of the summer on Wednesday evening
after penning a four-year contract, and he will join Seydou Keita, Gerard Pique,
Martin Caceres and Daniel Alves in a new-look squad next season.
The Belarus international's arrival is part of a major summer overhaul by Barca
following two seasons without winning a trophy, and it is that situation that
Hleb is hoping to change.
'I want to give my best for this club. I have realised a dream. My aim is to
win many trophies,' said the 27-year-old, whose transfer will cost Barca an
initial 15 million euros, rising to 17m depending on how successful the club is
during his stint.
Hleb also hopes his versatility will be an asset to new Barca coach Pep
Guardiola, insisting he is willing to play anywhere on the pitch.
'I am ready to play in any position, I am available to the the coach to play
in any position, including goalkeeper,' he joked during his presentation.
Hleb joins Barca after three years with Arsenal, who he joined from German side
Stuttgart before going on to make 129 appearances for the Gunners.
He also became the first Belarusian to appear in a Champions League final when
he faced Barcelona in Paris in 2006, a match which Arsenal lost 2-1.
Also part of the Gunners side on that day was Thierry Henry, who will now be
Hleb's team-mate again at Barca.
'I hope that he helps me to adapt to the city and the club,' Hleb said of the
France international, who moved from Arsenal to Barca last summer.
Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain was pleased with Hleb's
acquisition, and believes he will have little trouble settling into the team's
style of play.
'He is Barca-style player - he is very technical, intelligent and has good
movement. This is a reinforcement of quality and will create a lot of
competition,' said Begiristain.
Hleb's former coach at Arsenal Arsene Wenger also spoke highly of the
midfielder, who was voted Belarusian footballer of the year in 2002, 2004, 2005
and 2006
'We must firstly thank Alex for his contribution towards Arsenal Football Club
during his time with us,' Wenger said.
'Alex played a significant role in the three seasons he was with the club. We
are comfortable with our decision to let him go and we are all looking forward
to continuing our preparations for the new season ahead.'
