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 on Monday afternoon to become the seventh new arrival at Eastlands this summer.

City boss Mark Hughes told the club's official website: "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."

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

Twice a Champions League winner, Sylvinho completed the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's triumph over Manchester United in Rome last season.

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.

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.