Neymar passes physical, officially joins Barcelona

Brazilian sensation Neymar will officially join Barcelona after passing his required medical exams.

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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) ? Neymar passed his medical exam with Barcelona on Monday as he prepared to complete his transfer from Santos in a move that will unite the Brazil star with Lionel Messi in a formidable attacking partnership.

Neymar traveled straight to Spain from Brazil's friendly with England in Rio de Janeiro was set to sign a five-year contract after choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid, bringing an end to an intense bidding war between the fierce rivals.

Having passed two medical exams, he will meet with club president Sandro Rosell to ink the deal and then get his first touches of a ball on the Camp Nou pitch in front of his new supporters.

Neymar's flight from Brazil arrived an hour behind schedule at around 1 p.m. local time. Decked out in solid black with sunglasses and a baseball cap, he took a chartered bus straight to Camp Nou where he took his first photograph in front of the blue and burgundy club insignia.

With the traditional thumbs-up welcome shoot done, Neymar stepped forward and waved over the mob of photographers to the hundreds of fans who had gathered wearing Brazil and Barcelona jerseys and chanting his name.

Neymar's new teammates have already given him their vote of confidence.

Earlier on Monday, Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said Neymar is coming "to the best place to grow,'' and that he expects the 21-year-old forward to become even better when paired in attack with four-time world player of the year Messi.

"He can bring us a lot because he is very talented player,'' said Iniesta. "He brings his ability to break down defenses, to score, and to entertain. He is young. He has a long path ahead of him, and he is coming to the best place to grow.''

Iniesta also tried to ease the pressure on his new teammate and allay any concerns fans might have about whether two major stars like Messi and Neymar can play together.

"He is coming to the best possible place for him,'' Iniesta said. "Let him do what he does best, that is enough. It is great news that we can count on him. Surrounded by the people he will have here, he will get better and better.

"Great players always understand one another. Leo will be make Neymar better, and Neymar will make Leo better.''

Dani Alves recalled the long line of Brazilian forwards who have triumphed at Barcelona, including Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

"He will give us a Brazilian touch,'' countryman Dani Alves said about Neymar. "The others left their mark, I am sure he will too.''

Another question is whether Neymar's arrival will mean the exit of Spain striker David Villa, who also plays on the left flank of Barcelona's attack.

Neymar flew to the Mediterranean city on a private jet with a small entourage that left Brazil after the national side's 2-2 draw with England on Sunday. He will then quickly return to his home country for the upcoming Confederations Cup which Brazil is hosting in preparation for the 2014 World Cup.

Neymar led his former Brazilian club Santos to its greatest run since Pele stopped playing for the club in the 1970s. He helped Santos win the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa Libertadores and three straight Sao Paulo state championships and remains the club's leading scorer in the post-Pele era with 138 goals in 230 matches.

In 2011, Neymar met many of the members of his new team when Barcelona beat Santos 4-0 in the final of Club World Cup.

Barcelona has not disclosed the financial details of the transfer, but Brazilian media said the Catalan club will pay about 30 million euros for the youngster.

Santos had fielded offers from Barcelona and Madrid and said it was up to Neymar to choose where he wanted to continue his career. Neymar signed an agreement to join the Spanish champions on May 27.