Kleberson makes Besiktas move

Manchester United misfit Kleberson has completed a £2.5m (€3.6m) move to Besiktas after passing a medical with the Turkish club.

The Brazilian World Cup winner was raised shoulder-high by supporters on his arrival in Istanbul last night and quickly agreed personal terms to end his Old Trafford nightmare.

Although United have been forced to take a massive loss on a player Alex Ferguson had such high expectations of when he was signed for £6.5m (€9.4m) from Atletico Paranaense two years ago, his departure was inevitable after such a sorry time with the Premiership giants.

Kleberson's United career began to turn sour almost immediately when he dislocated a shoulder at Southampton, since when he has been plagued by fitness problems and poor form.

Although he did show brief glimpses of the ability which earned him a place in Brazil’s starting line-up for their World Cup final victory over Germany in Yokohama three years ago, it was never enough to earn him a regular spot in Ferguson’s side and he spent most of last season playing reserve-team football.

At one stage last season it looked as though Kleberson would join Benfica but after keeping hold of the 26-year-old for the remainder of the campaign, the decision to offload this summer was an easy one for Ferguson. Kleberson follows Phil Neville out of the Old Trafford exit door.

Spanish side Celta Vigo also expressed an interest but the extra financial muscle of Besiktas, who had two previous bids for the midfielder turned down, secured Kleberson’s signature after the player persuaded his teenage wife of the merits of life in Turkey.

“I’m very happy to be here,” said Kleberson.

“I had no problem accepting the offer but my wife had to be persuaded. She agreed to come to Istanbul and take a look last week and, after that, she was convinced.”

After scoring just twice in 30 appearances for the Red Devils, Kleberson will hope for greater success with Besiktas after signing a three-year contract.

Kleberson proved his fitness with a 90-minute outing – his last for United - at Wrexham on Tuesday and is expected to be in Besiktas’ squad for their UEFA Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein minnows FC Vaduz on Thursday.

Kleberson added on Besiktas’ official website, www.bjk.com: “I have never been welcomed so magnificently. My first goal is to prove my ability to the coach, make the team and become useful to the team.”

Kleberson revealed he took advice from Brazilian striker Ailton, who joined the Turkish club from German side Schalke last month.

“He told us good things about Besiktas and Istanbul. It is wonderful to be here.”