Ludovic Giuly has announced on his personal website that he has agreed to a three-year deal with AS Roma.
In an exclusive on his website, the French winger revealed that Roma have splashed out €3.2 million (£2.2m) to Barcelona for his services.
The Catalan giants confirmed the transfer following reports in the Italian media that the 31-year-old France international had flown to Rome on Monday and agreed terms on the three-year contract with Giallorossi.
Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain said: “The deal with Roma is done, but the player has still to pass his medical and sign the contract.”
Giuly has now successfully completed that medical at Villa Stuart, and is set to start training this evening at Trigoria with his new team-mates - who include Francesco Totti and Giuly’s compatriot, the former Auxerre star Phillipe Mexes.
He left Monaco to join Catalan giants Barcelona after the French club were beaten by FC Porto in the 2004 Champions League final.
However, Giuly did pick up a Champions League winner’s medal two years later, when Barca beat Arsenal in the 2006 final.
He is ready to start a new chapter in his career in the Eternal City, after missing out on last year’s World Cup final in Germany, and then having a mixed season season with Barca in La Liga.
His Roman adventure began when he travelled to Italy after Barca accepted the Giallorossi’s offer.
Roma beat off competition from his former club Monaco and a host of other top European sides to secure Giuly’s signature.
“He refused offers from six other clubs who were willing to spend up to £6m for his services, but he chose Roma,” transfer mediator Ernesto Bronzetti revealed to Rete Sport.
“Last night the difference between the request and the offer was down to £210,000, I opted to give up on my fee to allow the player to sign.
“Giuly had been mentioned as a technical counterpart when Barcelona were interested in Chivu. After the negotiations failed I immediately offered the Frenchman to Roma,” explained Bronzetti.
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