Veteran Brazilian defender Sylvinho has joined Manchester City on a one-year contract. The former Arsenal star was released by Barcelona at the end of last season and passed a medical this afternoon to become the seventh new arrival at Eastlands.

Now 35, Sylvinho will provide cover for Wayne Bridge at left-back. Twice a Champions League winner, he completed the full 90 minutes of last May’s triumph over Manchester United in Rome.

During his time at the Nou Camp, he also picked up three La Liga medals in addition to the six caps he earned for his country.

City boss Mark Hughes is hoping international clearance is received in time for Sylvinho to be considered for the Carling Cup second-round tie at Crystal Palace on Thursday.

“Sylvinho has a wealth of experience at the very top level, having represented Brazil and played for some of the very top clubs in Europe,” said Hughes.

“When the chance presented itself to bring him to Manchester City as a free agent I saw it as representing excellent business for us.

“Sylvinho won the European Cup last season at Barcelona and he will strengthen our defensive options.”