Former Chelsea fullback Marcos Alonso is excited to have signed with Barcelona.

The Spain defender was presented at the Nou Camp today.

Alonso said: "I'm very happy. Having this opportunity is what I would have always wanted since I was a child and my father brought me to the Camp Nou.

"It is very special to be here. I am looking forward to it and I am very excited to achieve many successes.

"I already knew quite a few teammates. The human quality has not surprised me and the football quality will give a lot of joy."

Barca president Joan Laporta also remarked: "Today is really a very exciting day. In the case of Marcos, we incorporated a great talent, but he has some characteristics that help us in the presentation.

"In addition to the talent, he gives continuity to a saga, to a lineage, of Barça players. His great-grandfather and his father have both played for the club. We all remember your father's anthological goal to Julio Alberto's centre. We have great memories of that Copa.

"Having a new Alonso at Barçait is a source of pride. I have great esteem for your father. Marcos is one of those players who comes to strengthen the team. He is versatile. He is a man who scores free-kicks very well, which is perfect for us. We are very happy for everything that his arrival entails."