Edmílson opts for Villarreal role
Friday, May 23, 2008
Article summary
Villarreal CF have bolstered their squad by signing Brazilian defensive midfielder Edmílson, who joins the El Madrigal outfit from FC Barcelona on a free transfer.
Article body
European experience
The 31-year-old former FIFA World Cup winner has penned a two-year deal at El Madrigal and brings UEFA Champions League experience to a side gearing up to compete in next season's competition. "I'm sad to be going but I feel satisfied with my four years here," he said during a farewell press conference in Catalonia. "I hope I can come back here with my head held high."
Medals galore
Edmílson has enjoyed considerable success in Europe since landing at Olympique Lyonnais from São Paulo FC in 2000. He collected three French titles before moving to Barcelona for a then-reported transfer fee of €10m. Consecutive Primera División medals followed in the next two campaigns, and in his second term at the Camp Nou the Brazilian added UEFA Champions League honours.
Knee injuries
Despite that trophy haul, knee injuries have long been a problem and surgery restricted him to just five league starts with Barcelona in 2007/08. Villarreal will unveil their new acquisition at El Madrigal on Monday.
