[SPAIN] La Liga champion Barcelona, which has yet to finalize a deal to wrest its former youth player Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, has shelled out $12 million to acquire Brazilian Adriano Correia from Sevilla. Before the World Cup, Barcelona paid Valencia about $50 million for David Villa, who scored five goals for Spain as it won title.

"I was very excited," said the 25-year-old Adriano, who plays outside back and wide in the midfield, on either side. "I didn't think twice about it and now I'm really pleased to have the chance to defend the Barca colors. This was something I couldn't let pass by."

Adriano joined Sevilla in 2004 and won two Spanish Cups (2007, 2010) and two UEFA Cups (2006, 2007). He has played eight times for Brazil but was not part of its 2010 World Cup squad.